Vancouver, British-Columbia - The Canadian Coast Guard plays an essential role in supporting ocean science to help deepen our understanding of the oceans that Canadians depend on for jobs, food, and cultural identity. Providing modern and reliable ocean science equipment to collect the data and information needed to support informed oceans and aquatic ecosystems decisions is a priority for the Government of Canada.
Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement was at Seaspan Shipyards in Vancouver, British Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard to celebrate the ship consolidation of the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel.
This marks a major step towards the completion of the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, which is being built at Seaspan's Vancouver shipyard and is expected to be delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard in 2025 as part of the Canadian Coast Guard fleet renewal plan under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
The Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel is a floating laboratory. As the Coast Guard's largest dedicated science vessel, the new ship will provide increased capability and capacity to support ocean science missions on Canada's East Coast. To be stationed in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, it will accommodate up to 34 crew and 26 scientists. The vessel is equipped with a modular working deck, a marine mammal observation station, an ocean sampling room, multiple labs and an oceanographic winch. The ship can also perform search and rescue operations and environmental response when needed.
Today's milestone marks another step towards the continued delivery of critical oceanographic science that will help us tackle our most pressing ocean issues like climate change. The data and samples collected aboard this vessel will also support Canada's domestic and international commitments to ensure that our oceans are sustainably managed.
The National Shipbuilding Strategy is creating jobs in Canada's shipbuilding industry and marine sector, and providing Canadian Coast Guard members with the equipment they need to continue their important work. Contracts under the National Shipbuilding Strategy are estimated to have contributed approximately $21.26 billion ($1.93 billion annually) to Canada's gross domestic product, and created or maintained over 18,000 jobs annually between 2012 and 2022.
