Canadian builder unveils design of future heavy icebreaker

Canada's Seaspan Shipyards recently unveiled design images of a new heavy polar icebreaker ordered by the Canadian Coast Guard.

Seaspan said the functional design of the vessel is now more than 70 per cent complete and 3D modelling is well advanced. Cutting of the first steel is scheduled before the end of this year.

Once completed, the icebreaker will have a length of 158 metres, a beam of 28 metres, a design displacement of 26,036 tonnes, and accommodations for up to 100 personnel. Facilities will include a moonpool, laboratories, a helicopter flight deck with hangar, and facilities for operating remotely piloted aircraft.

The vessel will be built in compliance to Polar Class 2 requirements, ensuring the ability to independently operate anywhere in the Arctic year-round. It will also be able to operate in temperatures as low as –50 degrees Celsius.

The new coast guard icebreaker will also be capable of fulfilling a wide array of Arctic science missions, search and rescue (SAR), security, transportation, and emergency response.