The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Québec Lieutenant, today announced that the Government of Canada has awarded an approximately $74.7-million contract to Ocean Pacific Marine (OPM) Supply Ltd. and Camarc Design Ltd. in joint venture, for the construction of three new coastal patrol vessels for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The vessels will be built at OPM, a Canadian shipyard based in Campbell River, British Columbia (BC). For this contract, 70% of the funding is from the existing delegation provided by the government of British Columbia under the Provincial Police Service Agreement.
For decades, the RCMP West Coast Marine Services has served as a steady and welcoming presence along BC’s coastline, patrolling nearly 26,000 kilometres from the U.S. border to Alaska, including Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island. The unit supports safe waterways and trusted partnerships while working closely with local residents and coastal Indigenous communities.
Beginning in 2028, a new generation of 24–25 metre jet-propelled aluminium patrol vessels will renew the fleet, enhancing capability in the diverse conditions of the West Coast. These vessels are designed for everyday operations and community engagement, reflecting a shared commitment to service and stewardship along Canada’s Pacific coast.
Quick facts
- The RCMP West Coast Marine Services (WCMS) is headquartered in Nanaimo, BC, with a satellite unit located in Prince Rupert, BC.
- The new police coastal patrol vessels will replace the current WCMS fleet, which includes:
- The Inkster: stationed in Prince Rupert and patrols the North Coast from Bella Bella, Bella Coola, north to Stewart and west to Haida Gwaii.
- The Lindsay: stationed in Port Alberni and during the summer months, patrols the west coast of Vancouver Island.
- The Higgitt: stationed in Nanaimo and patrols the inside passage of Vancouver Island.
- The police coastal patrol vessels will operate within 400 nautical miles of their respective home ports, with a crew of 4, patrolling for up to 7 days at sea without refuelling or store replenishment.
(Photo from RCMP West Coast Services)