Government of Canada launches competitive process for the lease of two emergency towing vessels

News Release

Ottawa, Ontario – The Government of Canada launched the Oceans Protection Plan in 2016 to improve marine safety and responsible shipping, protect Canada's marine environment, and offer new possibilities for Indigenous and coastal communities.

As part of the continued implementation of the Oceans Protection Plan, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard, today issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit bids for the lease of two vessels capable of towing large commercial ships, including tankers and container ships, to respond to vessels in distress off the coast of British Columbia.

These two vessels will augment the Canadian Coast Guard’s existing emergency response capability on the West Coast.

The content of the RFP and the procurement strategy for these vessels is the result of engagement with industry.

Quotes

“Under the Oceans Protection Plan, our Government is putting in place concrete measures to better prevent and respond to marine pollution incidents. This includes providing new resources to strengthen the Canadian Coast Guard which will help ensure a more rapid and efficient response in case of an incident.”
Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“Our Government is proud to support the women and men of the Canadian Coast Guard with the best equipment available. This competitive process for emergency towing vessels is yet another example of how we are helping the Coast Guard fulfill its important role.”
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

Quick Facts

The two vessels will be stationed off the coast of British Columbia. They will be leased by the Canadian Coast Guard and operated by crews trained in Canadian Coast Guard emergency response and search and rescue procedures.
These vessels will give the Coast Guard the ability to tow large disabled ships – either keeping them in place or moving them to a controlled area – to reduce the risk of a collision or grounding.

Associated Links

Contacts

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Vincent Hughes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613 992 3474
Vincent.Hughes@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

NR-HQ-18-05E

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FisheriesOceansCanada/

For more information about the Canadian Coast Guard, visit www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca.

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GardeCotiereCanadienne

Page details

Date modified:: 2018-02-05