At an event today in St. John’s, Genoa Design International of Newfoundland and Labrador signed a contract with Seaspan Shipyards of British Columbia. The agreement covers the construction of Canada’s new Polar Icebreaker.
Genoa Design Expertise in Arctic and Cold-Ocean Projects
Genoa Design has played a critical role on several other vessels built or underway at Seaspan Shipyards under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). Their experience in digital ship models, along with work in cold-ocean and ice-prone environments, makes Genoa an ideal coast-to-coast partner. Furthermore, this expertise ensures the Polar Icebreaker for Canada will meet the demands of Arctic operations.
Specifications of the Polar Icebreaker
The Polar Icebreaker for Canada will weigh nearly 28,000 tonnes. It will be 158 metres long and accommodate up to 100 personnel. Production is expected to begin in late 2024.
Capabilities and Arctic Missions
The vessel is designed to navigate ice-covered Arctic waters. Consequently, it will help the Canadian Coast Guard patrol and protect over 162,000 km of Arctic coastline. Moreover, it will sustain a year-round presence in Canada’s North. This includes support for Indigenous Peoples, northern communities, Arctic sovereignty, high-Arctic science, climate research, and response to major maritime emergencies, including search and rescue operations.
Polar Icebreaker and Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy
The Polar Icebreaker for Canada is part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, launched in 2010. The program aims to renew Canada’s federal fleet while boosting the national economy and rebuilding the shipbuilding industry. In addition, this project continues the successful collaboration between Genoa and Seaspan. Together, they have worked on Joint Support Ships (JSS), the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV), and multiple Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels (OFSV), all for the Canadian Coast Guard.
About Genoa Design International
Since 1995, Genoa Design has delivered detailed design and 3D modeling services in Canada and the United States. The company employs 200 people across Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and Louisiana. As a tier-1 supplier under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Genoa contributes to numerous Coast Guard and Navy projects. Moreover, the company strengthens the marine sector locally and internationally.
About Seaspan Shipyards
Seaspan Shipyards is a leader in Canada’s shipbuilding and repair industry. Its modern facilities are in North Vancouver and Victoria. Seaspan has delivered complex projects for both government and private sectors, becoming a trusted partner under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Over the past 12 years, Seaspan contributed $5.7 billion to Canada’s GDP and 7,330 jobs annually. By 2035, it is forecasted to add $20.7 billion to GDP and sustain or create approximately 11,000 jobs annually.
Quick Facts About the Polar Icebreaker
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Displacement: 27,876 tonnes
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Length: 158 metres | Width: 28 metres
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Crew: Up to 100 personnel
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Capabilities: Operate further north, in more difficult ice, longer than any Canadian icebreaker
Primary missions include:
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Search and Rescue
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Arctic Science and Climate Research
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Environmental Response
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Northern Resupply
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Protecting Canada’s Sovereignty
Key design features:
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IACS Polar Class 2 (PC2) Heavy Icebreaker
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More than 40MW of installed power
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Ice-classed azimuthing propulsion system
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Multi-role mission capability
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Scientific Laboratories & Moon Pool
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Helicopter flight deck and hangar
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Vehicle garage and future RPAS capability
Quotes
“This is a significant day for Genoa of course, but also for Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada as a whole. Genoa’s contribution to the Polar Icebreaker and the continued faith in the company’s capabilities that Seaspan has shown demonstrate the considerable benefits of the National Shipbuilding Strategy. It also shows that companies in this province can successfully collaborate widely regardless of geography or time zone. This new project willprovide exciting work to our highly skilled employees for years to come and the knowledge gained will serve Genoa well as we look to future opportunities.”
– Gina Pecore, CEO, Genoa Design International
“Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan is helping to transform Canada’s shipbuilding and marine industries through innovation, partnerships and developing world-class talent. Our relationship with Genoa goes back many years and we are excited to have them continue to partner with us as we design and build the first heavy Polar Icebreaker in Canada in more than 60 years. Over the next 25 years, Seaspan plans to deliver 19 large, complex vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Navy and with the help of a sustainable, strategic industry stretching from coast to coast.”
– Leo Martin, Senior Vice President, Programs, Seaspan Shipyards
“The Canadian Coast Guard eagerly awaits the design and construction of the polar icebreakers, which will extend our on-water operations and ensure the continuous delivery of critical services in the high Arctic. This includes search and rescue, environmental and humanitarian response, as well as playing a key role in supporting ocean science. Congratulations to Seaspan Shipyards and Genoa Design International on striking this new partnership.”
– Mario Pelletier, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard
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Media contacts:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications and Marketing
Genoa Design International
ljoyce@genoadesign.com
Ali Hounsell
Director, Communications
Seaspan Shipyards
media@seaspan.com
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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