Keel laying ceremony for Canada’s most modern science research ship at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards
Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan), Canada’s long-term, strategic shipbuilding partner for large non-combat vessels under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) today reached an important milestone in the construction of the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV).
Seaspan was proud to host the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra along with representatives from the CCG for the keel laying ceremony for the OOSV.
The keel laying is a significant milestone in a ship’s construction, during which a coin is placed near the keel, where it will remain for the duration of the ship’s life. The coin is said to bring good luck to the builders and all those who sail in the vessel. For today’s occasion, the coin created to commemorate the CCG’s 60th anniversary was placed near the keel to honour the CCG’s service to Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
This OOSV will deliver much-needed fleet capability for the CCG and an oceanographic science platform for a broad range of Canadian Government departments and scientists. It will support a wide range of oceanographic, fishery, geological and hydrographic survey missions. These missions will advance scientific knowledge about the oceans, the seabed and the impacts of climate change, and help lead to healthier, more sustainable ocean ecosystems – a key priority of the Government of Canada’s Blue Economy Strategy.
Equipped with the latest scientific research apparatus, this floating laboratory will be outfitted with specialized equipment that includes several advanced wet and dry labs, an ocean sampling room, a scientific seawater system for studying oxygen levels, temperature and salinity, and a state-of-the-art drop keel and sensor suite for collecting and analyzing data on everything from water current velocities to underwater acoustics. The ship will also perform search and rescue operations and environmental response as needed by the CCG.
In addition to building and delivering state-of-the-art ships, Seaspan is also delivering significant strategic socio-economic benefits as a result of the NSS. Seaspan is rebuilding the Canadian marine industrial sector, creating thousands of jobs, developing a supply chain of more than 700 suppliers, and so far, generating more than $2.6 billion in economic activity across the country.
“Today’s milestone means Canadian Coast Guard personnel and Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists are once again looking forward to state-of-the-art equipment to carry on their critical work for the benefit of all Canadians. The new OOSV will serve as the main platform for ocean science to help us understand and chart our seabed, protect our marine environment, and restore the health of our oceans. Congratulations to Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyard workers as they reach this important milestone for this new ship.” – The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“As the Canadian Coast Guard’s 60th anniversary celebrations are still ongoing, I find it very fitting to have a keel laying for the future Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel. Our past has been celebrated throughout the year, and today we look forward to the OOSV navigating the future of oceanographic science work in Canada. I wish good fortune to all who will come aboard this vessel in the future.” – Mario Pelletier, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard
“Through our partnership with the Government of Canada on the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan is proud to contribute to our country’s sovereignty, economy and self-sufficiency. With the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, we are progressing through construction of the third fleet of NSS vessels Seaspan will build, and we are delivering on our commitment to rebuilding a strong marine industry in Canada. Today’s construction milestone reflects the resiliency of all the talented and dedicated Seaspan employees and supply chain partners across Canada. I am incredibly proud of how we consistently drive forward to deliver for our partners and customers – adapting, innovating and applying the lessons of our culture of continuous improvement.” – John McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer, Seaspan Shipyards
- The Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV) will be Canada’s most modern science research ship. It can accommodate up to 34 crew and 26 scientists.
- The OOSV will be outfitted with specialized equipment that includes several advanced wet and dry labs, an ocean sampling room, a scientific seawater system for studying oxygen levels, temperature and salinity, and a state-of-the-art drop keel and sensor suite for collecting and analyzing data on everything from water current velocities to underwater acoustics.
- Its science spaces include:
- General Purpose Lab
- Acoustics Lab
- Computer Lab
- Chemical Lab
- Sea Water Sampling Area
- Salinity Lab
- Ocean Sampling Room
- Marine Mammal Observation Station
- The OOSV is expected to be delivered in 2025 and will be able to respond to the Government of Canada’s oceanographic scientific research requirements for the next 30 years.
- For the next three years, more than 700 Seaspan employees and hundreds more in the company’s cross-Canada supply chain will continue work on the 88-metre-long vessel.
- The National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) is Canada’s multi-decade program to renew the federal vessel fleet and create economic impact and employment opportunities across the country.
- Seaspan is Canada’s long-term strategic shipbuilding partner under Canada’s NSS, building the non-combat vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard.
- Seaspan is one of the most modern shipyards in North America, following its $185M shipyard modernization, development of a skilled workforce of 2,800 and state-of-the-art, purpose-built infrastructure to deliver the entire non-combat fleet.
- Seaspan has become a major economic and job creation engine while contributing more than $2.6 billion to Canada’s GDP (Source: Deloitte Socioeconomic Impact Study, October 2021).
- Seaspan has committed more than $2.1 billion in contracts to more than 700 Canadian suppliers, more than half of which are small to medium-sized businesses across Canada, from coast to coast.
- In October 2021, Seaspan celebrated its 10th year as a strategic partner in the NSS: the milestone marked the rebirth of a sustainable, thriving shipbuilding industry of strategic importance to Canada that is delivering ships, economic growth and jobs.
Watch the Seaspan-NSS 10th year anniversary video.