Chantier Davie of Quebec has been awarded the design contract for the planned series of six heavy icebreakers to be deployed by the Canadian Coast Guard.

The deal represents the first stage in the realisation of the project for a new generation of vessels of some 100-110m in length, designated the Program Icebreakers, to serve throughout Canadian waters, including summer voyages in the Arctic. The future Program sextet, which will be constructed by Davie once build contracts have been formalised, is distinct from the two-ship Polar Icebreaker project, which is also under way in Canada.

Davie will establish a Program Icebreaker project management and design office, set a recruitment drive in motion, and engage critical subcontractors for vessel development and certification to requisite performance, safety, and environmental standards. The award by the Government of Canada marks the beginning of Davie’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) work package to replenish the country’s icebreaker capacity.