Seaspan photo
Press Release
CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) new Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV), began sea trials this week in North Vancouver, sailing from Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards where final outfitting, installation, and commissioning work has been taking place since the vessel’s launch in August 2024.
Sea trials mark the final major phase of a shipbuilding project before delivery. Over the next few weeks, the ship will be put through full-scale exercises on the West Coast by specialists from Seaspan, the Canadian Coast Guard and major equipment suppliers to test performance of key systems and seaworthiness. The tests ensure that the ship operates as designed and that all systems – including mechanical, electrical, hydraulics, scientific, communications, navigation, as well as fire and safety systems – are fully operational.
On completion of sea trials, CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk will be prepared for delivery to the Canadian Coast Guard by the end of the summer, before sailing to the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Halifax, NS, where the ship will be based.
This milestone follows a number of other shipbuilding milestones at Seaspan over the last six months, including the launch of HMCS Protecteur and cutting steel on the CCG’s new heavy Polar Icebreaker.
QUOTES
‘‘Congratulations to Vancouver Shipyards on reaching this important milestone. This sea trial marks an important chapter in the construction of our Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel and underscores our dedication to ocean research and environmental protection. We look forward to officially welcoming the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk into our fleet’’.
- The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
“The future Canadian Coast Guard Ship Naalak Nappaaluk will provide world-class capabilities for the Coast Guard’s scientific research and missions for decades to come. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are building modern and capable vessels for Canada’s fleet while generating economic benefits across the country.”
- The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement
“Watching a vessel that you have built go off to sea is one of the proudest moments during a shipbuilder’s career. For the team at Seaspan, constructing the Canadian Coast Guard’s newest and most advanced science research ship has all been building to this moment, and we couldn’t have been more excited to see it set sail. This milestone is the latest example of how the National Shipbuilding Strategy is working and continued proof that our shipbuilding team is one of the best in North America, ready to build more highly-complex, large vessels for Canada and our allies.”
- Leo Martin, Senior Vice President – Programs, Seaspan Shipyards
QUICK FACTS
• CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is a Polar Class 6 vessel, with a displacement of 5,058t, and is 88 metres long, 17.6 metres wide, and will accommodate up to 60 personnel.
• The OOSV will be Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s primary oceanographic science platform, outfitted for habitat management, marine surveys and scientific research on ocean currents and the seabed, while also being able to serve the needs of the Canadian Coast Guard, aiding in operations such as Search and Rescue.
• Under the NSS, Seaspan has become a major economic and job creation engine. According to an economic analysis conducted by Deloitte, Seaspan has contributed $5.7 billion to Canada’s GDP since 2012, while also creating or sustaining more than 7,000 jobs annually.
