Canadian Coast Guard to acquire three interim icebreakers

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) is to receive three icebreakers to support its operations during the upcoming icebreaking season.

As explained, the ships would provide interim capability for the coast guard, while replacement vessels are being built under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

Specifically, Public Services and Procurement Canada has issued an Advanced Contract Award Notice (ACAN) to Chantier Davie of Lévis, Quebec, for the acquisition and conversion of three medium commercial icebreakers. This will allow any supplier with a comparable option to also submit a proposal before a contract is awarded.

The ACAN confirms Canada’s intention to enter into a contract with Chantier Davie. Other interested suppliers have 15 calendar days to signal their interest in bidding for this contract, by submitting a “statement of capabilities” that meets the requirements laid out in the ACAN, according to Public Services and Procurement Canada.

The acquisition will consist of buying a class of three existing Anchor Handling Tug Supply icebreakers that will be used to backfill for coast guard vessels while they are undergoing maintenance, refit and vessel life extension. They will conduct critical icebreaking duties for the Southern wintertime program and will be deployed as needed in support of Arctic summertime programs, the statement reads.

The first ship will be put to immediate use for icebreaking during the upcoming 2018/2019 season.

“Our Government is committed to supporting the Coast Guard in carrying out its crucial work on behalf of all Canadians. We are one step closer to acquiring supplementary capacity that will support interim icebreaking capability in time for the upcoming icebreaking season,” Carla Qualtrough, Canada’s Minister of Public Services and Procurement, commented.

“The Canadian Coast Guard has unique requirements given Canada’s wide range of challenging ice conditions in both our southern waters and the Arctic. We are making sure they have the equipment and tools they need to keep Canadian waters safe and commercial routes open during Canada’s ice seasons,” Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture, said.