politics
Keel Laid for Future Flagship of the Canadian Icebreaker Fleet
The keel for CCGS Imnaryuaq, which will be the largest icebreaker ever built in Canada, was laid Tuesday. "This icebreaker will reinforce our year-round presence in the North," says the Canadian Minister of Defence.
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“Canada’s Arctic sovereignty depends on our ability to be present, to operate, and to respond. The keel laying of CCGS Imnaryuaq marks a major step toward strengthening that capability," says Canadian Minister of Defence David McGuinty (Liberal) in a press release.
"Built by skilled Canadian workers, this polar icebreaker will reinforce our year-round presence in the North, support Northern communities, and ensure the Canadian Coast Guard has the tools it needs to protect Canada’s interests in a changing Arctic,” he adds.
The keel-laying ceremony took place at Seaspan's shipyard in Vancouver. Prominent politicians and the commissioner for the Canadian Coast Guard were present alongside 2,500 Seaspan employees.
Construction of CCGS Imnaryuaq began in April 2025 and the vessel is scheduled to be completed in the early 2030s.
This will be the largest and most powerful icebreaker ever built in Canada. It will measure 158 metres in length and 28 metres in width, with a displacement of 26 036 tonnes and accommodation for a crew of 100.
The icebreaker will have Polar Class 2 icebreaking capability and is designed to operate self-sufficiently in the high-Arctic year-round.
Honours Inuit culture
“Today’s keel laying is an important step forward in the renewal of the Canadian Coast Guard fleet, as well as a meaningful demonstration of our ongoing partnership with Inuit," says Kevin Brosseau, Commissioner for the Canadian Coast Guard, continuing:
"The CCGS Imnaryuaq, named to honour Inuit placenames and culture, will be a world-class icebreaker that will protect Arctic sovereignty and serve Canadians and communities across Inuit Nunangat [the Inuit homeland, ed. note] for generations to come.”
Imnaryuaq means ‘big cliff’. During the ceremony, the Inuit Nunangat Commemorative Coin was laid on the ship’s keel to honour Inuit culture and symbolise the Canadian government's commitment to reconciliation.
