The first large vessel to be designed and built under the Canadian National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) was launched at Seaspan Shipyards on December 8.
‘Sir John Franklin’ is the first of three offshore fisheries science vessels (OFSV) which will be operated by the Canadian Coast Guard.
In 2011, the government of Canada selected Seaspan to be its non-combat shipbuilder as part of the NSS program.
Under the NSS, Seaspan will build and deliver non-combat vessels at the its facility in North Vancouver for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and Royal Canadian Navy.
Sir John Franklin is 63 meters long and will be used to gain a better understanding of the health of fish stocks and their ocean environment.
“Today’s launch is a significant milestone for our government as we make good on our commitment to providing the men and women of the Coast Guard and our scientists with the equipment they need to conduct their important work for Canadians,” said the Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard.