Canadian Coast Guard Ship Naalak Nappaaluk: A Symbol of Reconciliation, Innovation and Collaboration

The crowd cheered when Qiallak Nappaaluk, daughter of Inuk Elder Naalak Nappaaluk, smashed a bottle of champagne against the hull of Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Naalak Nappaaluk at the naming and launch celebration. The launch of the new offshore oceanographic science vessel (OOSV) was a welcome opportunity to work with Inuit and pave a relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, inclusivity, cooperation and partnership.

Honouring Inuit culture and heritage

The ship was named in honour of respected Inuk Elder Naalak Nappaaluk (now passed), from Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik, who was committed to protecting and promoting the Inuit language and culture. The name was chosen in consultation with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, a national representative organization for 70,000 Inuit in Canada, advancing the government's commitment to a relationship with Indigenous Peoples.

It was an emotional moment for the Nappaaluk family and everyone in attendance. Elder Nappaaluk was a renowned leader, harvester, teacher, consultant, navigator, astronomer and meteorologist. "It was a really special experience to be there," said Andrew Merritt, Senior Procurement Specialist for Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). "It's a science vessel, and they named the ship after him because he grew up living on the land. He was able to navigate by the stars."

Modernizing a once-dormant industry

The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk represents significant progress under PSPC's National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. It's a testament to the collaborative efforts of PSPC, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards, and various partners, including the Inuit community, as represented by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. "I'm proud of the way that our group works with the CCG and Vancouver Shipyards," says Andrew. "I'm also proud of the ship and its capabilities. It's going to have state-of-the-art equipment, and it's going to be very meaningful for the CCG," he added.

Kit Hancock, Portfolio Director of OOSV and Multi-purpose Icebreaker Projects in the CCG's Vessel Procurement Directorate, is encouraged to see continued improvements to the skills and proficiency of the shipyard and its supporting industrial base. "The OOSV project provides all stakeholders with the opportunity to strengthen shipbuilding knowledge and expertise while creating jobs and ensuring the long-term stability of Canada's domestic shipbuilding industry."

Kit has seen "what was once a dormant industry in Canada being modernized to produce highly capable, world-class ships." He adds, "The aspect of our work that I'm most proud of is that we're delivering new operational capabilities to the CCG that will serve all Canadians for decades to come."

Key members of the ship's engineering crew were allowed onsite at Vancouver Shipyards, gaining early insights by witnessing the ship's construction. "This is a novel approach for the Coast Guard at this point in a ship's program and is expected to pay dividends for the crew during post-delivery operations," Kit mentioned.

A vital tool for research

The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is a floating laboratory that will provide increased capability and capacity to support marine surveys and scientific research aimed at understanding the impacts of climate change on the ocean. It will support the Government of Canada's oceanographic science research requirements for the next 30 plus years as the CCG's primary East Coast ocean science research vessel.

The ship is scheduled for delivery to the CCG later this year, when it will join the CCG fleet on the East Coast, replacing the CCGS Hudson, which was decommissioned in 2022 after nearly 60 years of service. "Once on the East Coast, the new ship will continue its transition into service by performing mini-science missions to further test science systems and equipment in Atlantic waters, before commencing science operations."

More than just a ship

For Andrew and the rest of the OOSV team, the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is more than just a ship. It's a symbol of collaboration, cultural respect and scientific advancement. The launch was the culmination of 10 years of work managing several contracts of varying scope and complexity, including handling financial administration and finding collaborative solutions to overcome challenges.

"This ship," explained Andrew, "is the first and only vessel of its class, so you have to get it right the first time."

Learn more about the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk by reading about the naming and launch celebration and watching the video, New science ship with Inuit name unveiled. To discover more about PSPC employees, projects and services making a difference for Canadians, read articles found on Our stories.