Davie to build polar icebreaker for Canadian Coast Guard

Davie, the Québec-based international shipbuilder, has been awarded a contract by the Government of Canada for the construction of a polar icebreaker.

Through this agreement, valued at $3.25 billion, Davie will deliver its production-ready heavy icebreaker design called the Polar Max to Canada by 2030.

To support the rapid delivery of the ship, Davie will use Helsinki Shipyard, which was acquired by Davie in 2023 with the support of the Québec government. Helsinki Shipyard has built over 50% of all the world’s icebreakers.

While the early phase of the polar icebreaker construction is underway, Davie is also carrying out the modernization of Lévis Shipyard.

This will enable Davie to leverage its Canadian supply chain sooner than anticipated while ensuring the completed polar icebreaker is delivered from Lévis.

“Delivering such a special ship in a timely manner is in the best interests of all Canadians. It will accelerate economic benefits for Quebecers and strengthen the skills of our talented Lévis’ shipbuilders. In a volatile world, we can and must forge shipbuilding collaborations with trusted allies like Finland to secure shared interests,” Davie President & CEO, James Davies, said.

“The contract awarded to Chantier Davie Canada Inc. for the build of a new polar icebreaker underscores our dedication to ensuring safe and efficient navigation in Arctic regions. This state-of-the-art vessel will not only strengthen our icebreaking fleet, but will also support critical scientific research and environmental protection efforts, and ensure national security in the Arctic,” Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant.

Based in Québec, Canada since 1825, Davie is a designer and builder of specialist, mission-critical ships such as icebreakers, ferries and warships for governments and commercial purpose.

Davie became a partner in the Government of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy on April 4, 2023. This so-called ‘historic agreement’ is for the design and construction of the largest and most technologically advanced ice-going ships ever constructed in and for Canada.

The initial $8.5 billion package of work includes seven heavy icebreakers and two large hybrid-powered ferries.

Recently, Canada’s government also awarded a construction contract for another icebreaker to Seaspan, which will build the ship at its Vancouver Shipyards, located in North Vancouver, British Columbia.