Canada is investing over C$11 billion (about $7.95 billion) to build six new icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard. This deal marks the largest shipbuilding contract in Quebec's history, as Arctic countries strive to replace their old fleets and enhance operations in the increasingly important northern waters.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced this contract on Monday at Chantier Davie in Lévis, Quebec, where all six ships will be constructed. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with the first icebreaker expected to be ready five years later, and the entire fleet anticipated to be operational by 2038.
These new ships will replace Canada's outdated heavy and medium icebreakers, which are crucial for keeping shipping routes open in the Atlantic, St. Lawrence, and Great Lakes during winter, as well as operating in the Arctic during summer.
Like the U.S. Coast Guard's icebreaker renewal program, Canada's initiative has experienced delays. The procurement was first announced in 2019 with a goal of deliveries by 2027, but now the initial vessels won't be ready until 2032.
“These six advanced icebreakers will ensure that trade routes carrying Canadian goods to the world remain safe and accessible,” Carney stated. “Built in Lévis by Canadian workers, they represent a significant investment in a stronger and more independent Canada.”
The Polar Class 3 vessels will measure about 110 to 120 meters in length and will be able to maintain a speed of three knots through 1.4 meters of ice. They will support a medium Coast Guard helicopter and have a range of around 20,000 nautical miles at 11 knots, according to Davie.
Designed for year-round use in second-year ice, the PC3 vessels can also handle areas with older multi-year ice, giving them extensive capabilities in the Arctic.
This program is part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, aimed at revitalizing the country's shipbuilding industry and preventing the rapid aging of fleets. Ottawa reports that by the end of 2025, approximately C$54 billion in contracts will have been awarded under this strategy.
The six new icebreakers will complement a separate project to build two larger polar icebreakers. Davie is working on the CCGS Arpatuuq, with hull assembly happening in Finland and production ongoing in Quebec. Meanwhile, Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards is constructing the CCGS Imnaryuaq. Both will be PC2 vessels aimed at providing year-round Arctic capabilities, with delivery dates set for 2030 and 2032, respectively.
Canada’s initiative is part of a wider effort by Western nations to renew icebreaker fleets.
The United States plans to build 11 Arctic Security Cutters, with the first expected to be ready in 2028. Four of these will be made in Finland and seven in the U.S., as Washington blends foreign expertise with the resurgence of domestic production.
Sweden has hired South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to produce a new icebreaker for delivery in 2029, with further fleet renewal plans in the works. South Korea is also developing a 16,560-ton Polar Class 3 research icebreaker to replace its aging Araon.
These projects demonstrate a growing awareness among Arctic nations and others that icebreakers are now regarded as crucial infrastructure for trade, security, scientific research, and access to northern resources, not just as winter vessels.