GATINEAU, QC -The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, today announced that the Government of Canada has awarded a contract of $453.8 million (taxes included) to Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards to enable the company to transition the offshore oceanographic science vessel (OOSV) project from the design phase to full construction.
Construction of the OOSV will begin in spring 2021, with delivery expected in 2024.
The OOSV will replace the CCGS Hudson, the Canadian Coast Guard’s oldest and largest science vessel. The vessel will be capable of performing multiple tasks, including oceanographic, geological and hydrographic survey missions. This work will contribute to Canada’s understanding of oceans and the impacts of climate change.
The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to implementing the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) and delivering important benefits for Canadian shipyards and suppliers across Canada. This contract is expected to create or sustain more than 700 jobs annually.
Under the NSS, Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards is building the OOSV and up to 16 multi-purpose vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard, as well as two joint support ships for the Royal Canadian Navy. (Photo artist rendering of OOSV)
