The project demonstrates the versatile nature of Seaspan’s Vancouver Drydock in performing work for both government and private sector clients
Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) announced Thursday the commencement of refit work on the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier for the Canadian Coast Guard. As a multi-mission icebreaker, the vessel is tasked with undertaking scientific research, search and rescue, fisheries enforcement and other missions as needed in BC coastal waters and the Canadian Arctic. It is a vital part of Canada’s icebreaking fleet for both commercial and security purposes.
The main aspect of the project will be the complete removal and survey of the propulsion shafting system including propellers, main shafts, thrust shafts, brakes, thrust blocks, and the shaft bearings in stern tubes. The refit will also include the replacement of the bow thruster system and several hull plates, renewal of the X- and S-band radar systems, the preparation and coating of a double bottom water ballast tank, the installation of new windows and a new davit for the lifeboat, and the relocation of the Zodiac Mark 5 to a new platform. Additionally, a survey of the tanks and void spaces will be carried out by Transport Canada – Marine Safety.
Built by Canadian Shipbuilding of Collingwood, ON and launched in 1986 with a gross tonnage of 3,812, the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier is among the largest vessels currently operated by the Coast Guard. At 83 meters long and 16.2 meters in breadth, the vessel has a cruising range of 6,500 nautical miles and a maximum speed of 15.5 knots. One of six High Endurance Multi-Tasked Vessels, the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier is classified a Light Icebreaker with a crew of 26. The vessel is a key strategic asset as a result of its ability to provide navigational aid and resupply services in both the Pacific and Arctic oceans.
“Being selected to perform such important work on a critical asset is an encouraging endorsement of our capabilities by the Canadian Coast Guard. Exciting projects like this enable Seaspan to create and sustain highly-skilled, middle-class jobs here in our community of North Vancouver through our role as a leading provider of ship repair and maintenance services.” - Paul Hebson, Vice President and General Manager of Vancouver Drydock.
Quick Facts:
- Through its yards in Victoria and North Vancouver, Seaspan employs approximately 2500 workers dedicated to vessel construction, repair and conversion work of varying size and complexity.
- At Vancouver Drydock, Seaspan performs regular refit and repair work for a range of predominantly commercial customers. Last year alone, this nimble and full-service yard successfully managed more than 50 different projects.
- Notable examples of work recently completed at the yard include a 24 day refit of the Silver Explorer and a 2 month refit of a factory trawler for American Seafoods.
- These projects and similar ones are helping to build a truly world-class industry that can compete for and win international work while creating hundreds of jobs, directly and indirectly.
Source: Seaspan Shipyards