The Canadian Coast Guard's Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV), the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Naalak Nappaaluk, represents a major milestone under the National Shipbuilding Strategy and marks the next generation of Canada's ocean science capability. Built by Vancouver Shipyards, this state-of-the-art ship will replace the retired CCGS Hudson, serving as the primary ocean science platform on Canada's East Coast for the next 30 years and beyond.
The vessel is named in honour of Naalak Nappaaluk (1928-2010), a respected Inuk Elder, teacher, and knowledge keeper from Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik. Mr. Nappaaluk devoted his life to preserving and promoting Inuit language, culture, and traditional knowledge. The name was selected in collaboration with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), reflecting the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to reconciliation and partnership with Indigenous Peoples.
The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk was constructed under the large-vessel pillar of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, a long-term plan to renew the federal fleet, revitalize Canada's marine industry, and sustain high-skilled jobs nationwide.
At its peak, the project employed more than 1,000 workers at Vancouver Shipyards and supported hundreds of suppliers across Canada. Between 2012 and 2025, it is estimated that National Shipbuilding Strategy contracts have contributed close to $38.7 billion ($2.8 billion annually) to Canada's gross domestic product and created or maintained more than 21,400 jobs annually over the 2012 to 2025 period.
Vessels general specifications
The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is the largest dedicated science vessel ever built for the Canadian Coast Guard. It combines cutting-edge marine research facilities with robust operational versatility.
Key features include:
- Modular working deck allowing mission-specific science modules to be swapped in and out;
- Marine mammal observation station for real-time environmental monitoring;
- Ocean sampling room and multiple specialized laboratories (general-purpose, chemical, acoustics, salinity, computer, and seawater);
- Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) and Hydro Wire Launch and Recovery System (LARS);
- Main and secondary cranes, stern A-frame, towing booms, and seismic compressors for deep-water deployments;
- Drop keel and advanced sonar/sensor arrays for detailed ocean-data collection.
- The vessel accommodates 34 crew and 26 scientists, with endurance for multi-week missions. It can also support search and rescue and environmental response operations when required.
Mission and Role
The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk will provide a floating laboratory to advance Fisheries and Oceans Canada's oceanographic research programs. It will collect vital data and samples to support:
- Research on climate-driven changes in the Atlantic Ocean;
- Fisheries stock assessments and habitat mapping;
- Marine ecosystem monitoring and biodiversity studies;
- Long-term environmental observation to inform sustainable management of Canada's oceans.
The data collected aboard will also contribute to Canada's domestic and international commitments, including the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).
Indigenous Collaboration and Legacy
The vessel's name honours Naalak Nappaaluk, a renowned Inuk leader, astronomer, and meteorologist who dedicated his life to teaching others how to thrive in the Arctic environment.
The collaboration with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami in naming the OOSV represents a meaningful step in strengthening relationships between the Government of Canada and Indigenous Peoples-built on rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.
Delivery and Next Steps
Following its launch in August 2024, the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk completed harbour and sea trials by Vancouver Shipyards and was officially accepted by the Canadian Coast Guard in November 2025.
The vessel will now make the transit from Vancouver Shipyards through the Panama Canal to its home port at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where it will enter into service in 2026.
Quick Facts
- Project cost: $1.47 billion (including taxes)
- Crew capacity: 34 crew + 26 scientists
- Home port: Bedford Institute of Oceanography (Dartmouth, Nova Scotia)
- Builder: Vancouver Shipyards - Seaspan Shipyards (under NSS)
- Role: Primary East Coast ocean science research vessel and multi-mission platform
- Length: ~88 metres
- Range and endurance: Over 6,000 nautical miles / up to six weeks at sea
- Expected entry into service: 2026
- Named after: Naalak Nappaaluk (1928-2010), Inuk Elder from Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik
