Canada commits C$11bn for six new icebreakers

The federal government will invest more than C$11 billion to build six new icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the commitment at the Chantier Davie shipyard in Lévis, Quebec, joined by Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette. The program is presented as a major renewal step for Canada’s icebreaking fleet, which currently relies on aging heavy and medium icebreakers.

Officials stated that all six vessels will be constructed at Chantier Davie under the plan. The government estimates that the contract will support about 5,000 jobs during the construction phase, underscoring the initiative’s regional economic impact in Quebec as well as its maritime focus.

Reporting on the program describes the new ships as Polar Class 3 icebreakers designed for sustained operations in challenging ice conditions. Published technical information indicates the vessels will be roughly 110–120 meters in length and capable of maintaining about three knots of speed through ice up to 1.4 meters thick.

The icebreakers are expected to have a range on the order of 20,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 11 knots, supporting extended missions in remote northern waters. Each ship will have the capacity to operate a medium Canadian Coast Guard helicopter, expanding their ability to conduct aerial surveillance, logistics support and search-and-rescue tasks from the same platform.

The new vessels are intended to replace the Coast Guard’s aging heavy and medium icebreakers, sustaining Canada’s capacity to keep essential sea lanes open. They will operate along Canada’s east coast during winter and in Arctic waters throughout the summer, supporting navigation, safety and access in ice-covered regions.

By combining greater icebreaking power, extended range and aviation capability, the ships are positioned to support a range of Coast Guard duties in harsh environments. The investment is framed as part of a broader effort to maintain reliable maritime infrastructure and presence in Canada’s northern and eastern waters.