Subscribe to our e-newsletter

Keel laying ceremony for Canada’s most modern science research ship at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards  

North Vancouver, BC – November 25, 2022 – Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan), Canada’s long-term, strategic shipbuilding partner for large non-combat vessels under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) today reached an important milestone in the construction of the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV).  

Seaspan was proud to host the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra along with representatives from the CCG for the keel laying ceremony for the OOSV. 

The keel laying is a significant milestone in a ship’s construction, during which a coin is placed near the keel, where it will remain for the duration of the ship’s life. The coin is said to bring good luck to the builders and all those who sail in the vessel. For today’s occasion, the coin created to commemorate the CCG’s 60th anniversary was placed near the keel to honour the CCG’s service to Canadians from coast to coast to coast. 

This OOSV will deliver much-needed fleet capability for the CCG and an oceanographic science platform for a broad range of Canadian Government departments and scientists. It will support a wide range of oceanographic, fishery, geological and hydrographic survey missions. These missions will advance scientific knowledge about the oceans, the seabed and the impacts of climate change, and help lead to healthier, more sustainable ocean ecosystems – a key priority of the Government of Canada’s Blue Economy Strategy. 

Equipped with the latest scientific research apparatus, this floating laboratory will be outfitted with specialized equipment that includes several advanced wet and dry labs, an ocean sampling room, a scientific seawater system for studying oxygen levels, temperature and salinity, and a state-of-the-art drop keel and sensor suite for collecting and analyzing data on everything from water current velocities to underwater acoustics. The ship will also perform search and rescue operations and environmental response as needed by the CCG.  

In addition to building and delivering state-of-the-art ships, Seaspan is also delivering significant strategic socio-economic benefits as a result of the NSS. Seaspan is rebuilding the Canadian marine industrial sector, creating thousands of jobs, developing a supply chain of more than 700 suppliers, and so far, generating more than $2.6 billion in economic activity across the country.  

QUOTES 

“Today’s milestone means Canadian Coast Guard personnel and Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists are once again looking forward to state-of-the-art equipment to carry on their critical work for the benefit of all Canadians. The new OOSV will serve as the main platform for ocean science to help us understand and chart our seabed, protect our marine environment, and restore the health of our oceans. Congratulations to Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyard workers as they reach this important milestone for this new ship.” 
The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard 

“As the Canadian Coast Guard’s 60th anniversary celebrations are still ongoing, I find it very fitting to have a keel laying for the future Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel. Our past has been celebrated throughout the year, and today we look forward to the OOSV navigating the future of oceanographic science work in Canada. I wish good fortune to all who will come aboard this vessel in the future.” 
Mario Pelletier, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard 

“Through our partnership with the Government of Canada on the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan is proud to contribute to our country’s sovereignty, economy and self-sufficiency. With the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, we are progressing through construction of the third fleet of NSS vessels Seaspan will build, and we are delivering on our commitment to rebuilding a strong marine industry in Canada. Today’s construction milestone reflects the resiliency of all the talented and dedicated Seaspan employees and supply chain partners across Canada. I am incredibly proud of how we consistently drive forward to deliver for our partners and customers – adapting, innovating and applying the lessons of our culture of continuous improvement.” 

John McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer, Seaspan Shipyards 

 QUICK FACTS  

 

ASSOCIATED LINKS 

National Shipbuilding Strategy 
Seaspan Shipyards 
Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Twitter: @MoreThanShips 
LinkedIn: Seaspan ULC 
Instagram: @SeaspanULC 
Facebook: @Seaspan Shipyards 

ABOUT SEASPAN SHIPYARDS 

Seaspan Shipyards, a division of Seaspan ULC, is a leader in Canada’s shipbuilding and ship repair industry. With modern facilities and a dedicated workforce of approximately 2,800 in North Vancouver and Victoria, the company has proven itself to be a trusted and strategic partner on a range of complex projects for both government and the private sector. 

Seaspan Shipyards is proud to deliver Canada’s non-combat program of work under the NSS. The company is building state-of-the-art ships in Canada for the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy. Through its NSS-related work, Seaspan Shipyards is creating thousands of jobs, generating significant economic benefits, and rebuilding Canada’s shipbuilding and marine industries. 

MEDIA CONTACT 

Ali Hounsell 
[email protected]  
604-612-5108