Canadian Coast Guard orders first diesel-electric hybrid NSFRV

Following an open competitive process, Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard, has awarded Chantier Naval Forillon a contract to build a diesel-electric hybrid Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel (NSFRV).

The NSFRV is a specialized vessel for fisheries, oceanographic and hydrographic sciences. Outfitted with new technologies in fisheries, oceanographic and hydrographic sciences, the new vessel will undertake critical research to collect the data and information needed to help guide decision-making for sustainable fisheries and healthy ecosystems in the St. Lawrence River and Gulf region.

The NSFRV design includes features focused on reducing power consumption such as a hybrid propulsion system with a battery bank and energy-efficient electrical and deck equipment systems. The vessel will emit significant less greenhouse gas than a non-hybrid configuration and is able to perform some low speed operations on battery for 30-60 minutes per day. In addition, the batteries can support overnight operations to avoid using generators in harbor, and in so doing generate less pollution and ambient noise.

Canada is taking concrete action to fight climate change and improve vessel design.

The vessel is expected to join the Canadian Coast Guard fleet as early as 2027.

In Canada and around the world, the effects of climate change and ocean warming are undeniable. To address this issue, it is more important than ever to find sustainable and resilient solutions to ensure the safety of our waters.

In line with the Government of Canada’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for 2030 and 2050, the Canadian Coast Guard continues its tangible decarbonization efforts, transitioning to an increasingly green, low-carbon fleet.

“As a maritime nation with the longest coastline in the world, Canada has a unique position opportunity to be a global leader in implementing low-carbon solutions and a blue economy for all. Today’s announcement is a major milestone in the maritime history of the Gaspé Peninsula. The construction of this vessel will not only create and maintain high-skilled, well-paying jobs, but will directly and indirectly boost the economy of the entire region,” Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard said.

“… announcement brings us one step closer to building a greener and more innovative fleet. This contract with Chantier Naval Forillon will provide the members of the Canadian Coast Guard with the vessel they need to continue to save lives, keep our waters secure, and protect the environment. This will also help create good jobs and strengthen the economy in Eastern Québec,” Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement.

“It is a source of great pride for our team to have been chosen to build the Canadian Coast Guard’s very first diesel-electric hybrid vessel. Today’s announcement will not only maintain and create important jobs in our region, but also contribute to positioning our company as a leader in the construction of innovative ships in our markets,” Jean-David Samuel, President and CEO, Chantier Naval Forillon.

In October 2022, the Canadian Coast Guard announced the start of a biodiesel testing project and the launch of the next phase in the construction of the Government of Canada’s first hybrid electric vessel, the new Near-shore Fishery Research Vessel.

Canada’s Greening Strategy is a set of government-approved commitments that apply to all core government departments and agencies. Fleet management across the Government will be optimized to achieve the targets, including the commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.