Canadian Coast Guard celebrates the completion of the 10th and final Bay Class search and rescue vessel, the CCGS Mira Bay
News release
September 11, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard
Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada is investing in Canadian Coast Guard ships while strengthening Canada’s shipbuilding industry. Shipyards across the country are building world-class vessels to equip the Canadian Coast Guard so it can serve Canadians, protect the environment, and support a strong economy.
Today, the Canadian Coast Guard celebrated the completion of Canadian Coast Guard Ship Mira Bay, the 10th and final new search and rescue lifeboat built by Hike Metal Products Ltd. The completion of the Mira Bay marks a milestone – the completion of 19 of 20 search and rescue lifeboats under construction.
These vessels provide critical services, including maritime search and rescue, responding to distress calls, and assisting disabled vessels. The vessels are also designed, equipped, and crewed to perform environmental response operations to reduce the impacts of marine pollution incidents. Each vessel can operate up to 120 nautical miles from shore, maintain a maximum 30-minute state-of-readiness, and respond immediately when alarms are received.
The National Shipbuilding Strategy is helping restore our shipyards, rebuild Canada’s marine industry and create sustainable jobs while upholding our sovereignty and protecting our interests at home and abroad.
Quotes
“Today’s celebration represents a milestone for the Canadian Coast Guard and the National Shipbuilding Strategy. It’s a testament to Canada’s commitment to safer waters, a cleaner environment, and serving Canadians wherever they need us. Each ship built strengthens our Coast Guard, supports our marine industry, and helps ensure our coasts and communities are protected for generations to come.”
The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“The delivery of the final search and rescue vessel constructed by Hike Metal Products marks an important milestone under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. This vessel will strengthen our ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies on the water, helping to save lives and protect those who depend on our coasts. It also reflects the expertise of Canadian shipbuilders and the value of investing in our domestic shipbuilding industry. By modernizing our marine infrastructure and supporting good, well-paying jobs, we are ensuring that the Strategy delivers real benefits for Canadians, both today and for years to come.”
The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Public Services and Procurement of Canada
“We thank our partners at Hike Metal Products for their outstanding work in building these vessels, supporting good Canadian jobs in the process. The construction of these search and rescue lifeboats ensures the Coast Guard can operate in all conditions to keep Canadians safe. We are proud to support Canadian jobs and shipyards while delivering for the Coast Guard through the National Shipbuilding Strategy.”
The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)
Quick facts
-
In 2018, Chantier Naval Forillon from Gaspé, Quebec, and Hike Metal Products Ltd from Wheatley, Ontario, were awarded the construction of four additional search and rescue lifeboats each, building on the existing contract awarded in 2015 to build six lifeboats each. The total value of the contracts for the lifeboats is $180 million.
-
The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Mira Bay is classed as a search and rescue lifeboat, with a top speed of 25 knots, and has a crew of four.
-
The lifeboats are informally referred to as “Bay Class” as each vessel is named after a Canadian bay.
-
The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Mira Bay will provide additional support and capacity on the Atlantic coast.
-
The final search and rescue lifeboat, from the series of 20 vessels, Canadian Coast Guard Ship Baie de Gaspé, is expected to be delivered late October 2025.
-
The Government of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy is a long-term, multi-billion-dollar program focused on renewing the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy fleets to equip Canada’s marine agencies with the modern ships they need to fulfill their missions, while revitalizing Canada’s marine industry, creating good middle-class jobs and maximizing economic benefits across the country.
Associated links
Contacts
Alice Hansen
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Email: Alice.Hansen2@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca