Chantier Davie has been selected to construct six Polar Class 3 icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard under an agreement valued at C$11.3 billion. The contract represents one of the country’s largest investments in domestic shipbuilding and Arctic maritime capability.The vessels will replace older ships that currently provide icebreaking services in eastern Canadian waters. During the summer season, the new ships will be capable of supporting operations in the Arctic, where access can be limited by heavy and persistent ice.The Polar Class 3 rating enables the ships to operate in second-year ice conditions. This will allow the Coast Guard to maintain a stronger presence in northern waters and support maritime access in challenging environments.Construction of the first vessel is scheduled to begin with steel cutting at Davie’s Lévis shipyard in 2027. The first ship is expected to enter service in 2032, while completion of the full six-vessel fleet is targeted for 2038.The project is expected to create thousands of employment opportunities and generate significant economic benefits. Canada’s Buy Canadian policy will guide construction, with locally sourced steel and components forming part of the manufacturing effort.The procurement falls under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, which has a long-term objective of building 88 vessels by 2045. Davie has already participated in the program through an earlier design agreement for the Polar Class 3 ships and a separate contract for the Polar Class 2 CCGS Arpatuuq.The new fleet will strengthen Canada’s ability to maintain Arctic access, support maritime operations, and contribute to broader regional security cooperation.
