Federal initiative has rebuilt Canada’s shipbuilding industry, constructing vessels for Coast Guard, Navy
Aug. 12, 2025 — North Vancouver, B.C. — Today, Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) welcomed the Hon. Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, and the Hon. Ernie Klassen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and MP, South Surrey–White Rock, to Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards in a celebration marking 15 years of the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).
The NSS is a long-term commitment from the Government of Canada to renew the fleets of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). With the support and initiative of the Canadian government, the NSS is rebuilding the shipbuilding industrial sector.
Since the NSS’s inception, Seaspan has helped revitalize an entire industrial marine ecosystem on the West Coast. Its established supply chains include more than 800 Canadian companies across the country and have provided more than $3 billion in contracts. Seaspan has also built out Canada’s largest marine and design engineering capability, is supporting more than 11,000 jobs annually and has contributed more than $5.7 billion to Canada’s economy since 2012. Seaspan plays a critical role in helping Canada fulfill its NATO defence spending commitments.
Under the NSS, Seaspan is designing, building and delivering essential ships for Canada, including important Polar Class vessels for the CCG. We have delivered three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels (OFSV) to the CCG, which marked the completion of the first class of large vessels under the NSS. All three vessels are now in service, fulfilling important missions for Canada. Under construction at Seaspan are also two Joint Support Ships for the RCN, HMCS Preserver and the recently-launched HMCS Protecteur, both of which will be delivered to the RCN in the coming years and provide a key capability for the Canadian Armed Forces and our allies.
Sea trials are underway for the CCG’s new Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV). Once delivered, CCGS Naalak Nappaluuk will be the most modern science research vessel in their fleet.
Earlier this year, Seaspan also began construction on the CCG’s new made-in-Canada heavy polar icebreaker. This ship will be the largest vessel in the CCG’s fleet and one of the most powerful heavy icebreakers in the world.
Design and engineering on the CCG’s Multi-Purpose Icebreakers has also recently progressed, following the success of the first flight’s (six ships) Functional Design Review Meeting. As a result of this NSS work, Seaspan’s ship design and engineering capabilities on the West Coast have opened up new, potential export opportunities to Canada’s allies.
Seaspan’s additional two shipyards, Vancouver Drydock and Victoria Shipyards, also continue to excel under the repair and maintenance pillar of the NSS. Ongoing maintenance, repair and vessel life extension services have been provided to the RCN’s current fleet of West Coast-based frigates and to CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier, among others.
QUOTES
“As we celebrate 15 years of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, it is important to not only look back on our successes, but to look ahead to where we are going. The state of shipbuilding in Canada right now is very encouraging. In the last year, Seaspan has launched two ships, started sea trials for the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel and started construction on the CCG’s most powerful icebreaker, and made key partnerships with Canadian companies like Algoma Steel – a true sign of the rebirth of this industry. Seaspan’s capability is a national strategic asset. We’re ready to design and build the ships Canada needs, in Canada. Thank you to our government partners, our Canadian shipbuilding supply chain and, most importantly, our world-class designers, engineers and tradespeople for proving over the last 15 years that build-in-Canada solutions are the right choice for the economy, for industry, and for Canadians.”
- John McCarthy, CEO, Seaspan Shipyards
“Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Canada is delivering a modern fleet for the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard, while revitalizing the marine industry and creating thousands of skilled jobs. The ships built at Seaspan and other Canadian shipyards reflect a long-term investment in innovation, sovereignty and industrial growth under Canada’s commitment to safeguard our oceans. By strengthening domestic supply chains and prioritizing Canadian-made steel and materials, the strategy is taking another meaningful step forward and will play an even more central role in creating a resilient and prosperous economy.”
- The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement
“The National Shipbuilding Strategy is more than steel and ships. By continuing to invest in homegrown talent and suppliers, we are building a robust industrial base, skilled workforce and competitive economy, while ensuring the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard are equipped to meet a range of operational demands at home and abroad.”
- The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)
QUICK FACTS
- Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan has invested more than $35 million to support education, learning, research and skills development in the marine industry, with a special focus on reducing barriers for underrepresented groups, bringing a broad range of new talent into the industry and the trades, including more women and Indigenous people, and creating opportunities for youth through internships and apprenticeships.
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ABOUT SEASPAN
Seaspan is a leader in Canada’s ship design, engineering, building and ship repair industry. With modern facilities and a dedicated workforce of about 4,300 in North Vancouver and Victoria, the company is a trusted and strategic partner on a range of complex projects for both government and the private sector.
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