Canada To Procure Coast Guard Vessels Worth $488 Million

The Canadian Minister of National Defence, Peter MacKay today announced funding of up to $488M to procure 18 to 21 new vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet. 

The construction of these vessels will be available for competitive bids by Canadian shipyards not selected under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy and will provide jobs for small and medium enterprises and shipyards across Canada. 

“Our Government has made it a priority to equip the men and women of the Coast Guard with the vessels they need to do their important work,” Ministry officials said. “Renewing the fleet will enable the Coast Guard to continue serving Canadians from coast to coast to coast for future generations.” 

“In doing so, we are revitalizing Canada’s shipbuilding industry and stimulating jobs and growth in communities right across our country,” said Minister MacKay 

Of the 18-21 vessels, the Canadian Coast Guard will procure Search and Rescue Lifeboats, Specialty Vessels, Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessels, Channel Survey and Sounding Vessels, Mid-Shore Science Vessels and Special Navaids Vessels.

Vessels will be constructed over the next 7 years and will replace existing vessels of the Coast Guard fleet and will be stationed across Canada based on operational need. 

This investment is in addition to the larger vessels to be constructed at Vancouver Shipyards, the vessel life extensions and mid-life modernizations for 16 vessels and 2 hovercraft and up to 24 new helicopters.