Shipbuilder Seaspan Shipyards has held a keel-laying ceremony for the Canadian Coast Guard's polar icebreaker, CCGS Imnaryuaq.
As maritime activity in the Arctic grows and the region experiences unprecedented environmental and geopolitical change, the Government of Canada’s strengthened presence and capability in northern waters has never been more important.
The CCG’s new polar icebreakers represent a major step in advancing Canada’s leadership, security, and ability to continue delivering critical services to Northern communities. The keel laying is a significant step in the construction of the polar icebreaker, marking the moment when the first constructed section on the vessel is put in place, and the ship begins to take form.
This milestone builds on the official start of construction for the future CCGS Imnaryuaq in April 2025, marked by the cutting of steel for the vessel’s first polar block. Less than two years later, the vessel is taking shape at an accelerating pace, bringing Canada one step closer to welcoming its next heavy polar icebreaker in the early 2030s.
CCGS Imnaryuaq is designed to operate self-sufficiently in the high Arctic year-round. Once delivered, it will play a critical role in enabling the Canadian Coast Guard to transit and operate in more than 162,000km of Arctic coastline.
The future polar icebreakers will be 158 metres long and 28 metres wide, with a design displacement of 26,036 tonnes, and will accommodate a crew of up to 100 personnel and feature diesel-electric propulsion with Polar Class 2 icebreaking capability.
“Canada’s Arctic sovereignty depends on our ability to be present, to operate, and to respond. The keel laying of CCGS Imnaryuaq marks a major step toward strengthening that capability. Built by skilled Canadian workers, this polar icebreaker will reinforce our year-round presence in the North, support Northern communities, and ensure the Canadian Coast Guard has the tools it needs to protect Canada’s interests in a changing Arctic," David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, said.
“This milestone underscores the Government of Canada’s commitment to taking concrete action to support a safe, secure, and prosperous Arctic. Investments in modern, Arctic-capable vessels like the CCGS Imnaryuaq will provide the Canadian Coast Guard with enhanced capabilities needed to operate effectively in challenging environments, respond to evolving needs, and support communities throughout the North," Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs, commented.
Seaspan has previously designed and built three offshore fisheries science vessels currently in service with the Canadian Coast Guard and delivered an offshore oceanographic science vessel to the CCG in 2025. The company is also involved in the construction of up to 16 Polar-class multi-purpose icebreakers.
The Canadian Coast Guard is acquiring two polar icebreakers, with one being built at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards and the other at Chantier Davie Canada. Once complete, these vessels will bolster the Canadian Coast Guard’s presence in a rapidly changing Arctic.