CCGS John Cabot during sea trials. Seaspan Shipyards picture
VICTORIA, BC – Today, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, along with Mario Pelletier, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, welcomed the newly-built Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CGGS) John Cabot, to the Coast Guard fleet. The delivery of this third and final Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel (OFSV), along with the acceptance of the CCGS Sir John Franklin and the CCGS Capt Jacques Cartier in 2019, marks the completion of the first class of large ships built under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. It is a significant milestone in the renewal of the Coast Guard fleet while also supporting Canadian technological innovation, and bringing jobs and prosperity to many communities across the country.
Built in Canada by Seaspan Shipyards, these ships will ensure that Fisheries and Oceans’ scientists are working with the best equipment to conduct their vital work on fishery resources, other marine species and their environments. The OFSVs will also support environmental response and search and rescue operations, helping to ensure marine safety and environmental protection which are also key components of the Government of Canada’s $1.5B Oceans Protection Plan.
The National Shipbuilding Strategy is providing the Canadian Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists with the ships they need to make sure our waters are safer, cleaner and healthier for all Canadians. The CCGS John Cabot will soon travel from the West Coast to its home base in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
“CCGS John Cabot is a significant addition to our fleet. This ship will ensure that our scientists continue to deliver important research work to better understand Canada’s marine ecosystems. Congratulation to the skilled workers of Seaspan Shipyards for their outstanding work in bringing this ship into service, along with its sister ships, CCGS Sir John Franklin and CCGS Capt Jacques Cartier” declared Mario Pelletier, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard.