Question Period Note: Light Icebreaker

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has acquired a used commercial light icebreaker, currently designated Mangystau-2, to operate in the shallower waters of the St. Lawrence River and access the Great Lakes, which are critical icebreaking areas. The vessel will supplement CCG’s icebreaking capabilities and buoy tending while other CCG vessels are going through the Vessel Life Extension program.

Note: Questions on budget, requirements, timelines, international comparisons, and project management should be directed to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

• The Government is committed to supporting Canadian Coast Guard members by providing them with the reliable equipment they need to keep Canada’s waterways navigable and accessible, while generating significant economic benefits across Canada
  • Following an open, fair and competitive process, Atlantic Towing Ltd. of Saint John, New Brunswick, was awarded a contract for the procurement of one Light Icebreaker, worth $45 million (including taxes)
  • The vessel is anticipated to arrive at its temporary home port in Prescott, Ontario, before the end of 2021 and the Canadian Coast Guard will undertake inspection and design work in preparation for the vessel’s conversion for ice breaking services in the St. Lawrence River and access to the Great Lakes
  • A competitive tender process will be launched in 2022 to proceed with the vessel’s refurbishment and configuration work. The Canadian Coast Guard anticipates that the vessel will enter into service in 2023-2024

If pressed on Third Shipyard:

• In May 2019, Canada identified the need to select a third Canadian shipyard under the National Shipbuilding Strategy and this process is underway
• The selected yard will build 6 program icebreakers and one polar icebreaker for the Canadian Coast Guard

The Icebreaking program of CCG provides icebreaking and related services to facilitate the informed, safe and timely movement of maritime traffic through and around ice-covered Canadian waters for the benefit of industry and communities.

The light icebreaker will be used to escort ships through ice-covered waters, free vessels beset in ice, conduct harbour breakouts, and reduce the risk of flooding on the St. Lawrence River through the monitoring, prevention and breaking up of ice jams.

The newly acquired light icebreaker will provide the flexibility and act as a replacement vessel when other CCG vessels go through their regular repair and maintenance cycles.

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