Keel laid on Canadian Coast Guard’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, the CCGS Sermilik
News release
November 6, 2025 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard
Today marks an important milestone in the construction of the Canadian Coast Guard Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Sermilik, with the laying of the keel at Irving Shipbuilding Inc. in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
This new versatile and ice-capable ship will support fisheries enforcement and surveillance missions on Canada’s east coast, including Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization patrols by providing a reliable platform for operations conducted by enforcement authorities. Outfitted with science equipment and a medical facility onboard, this modern ship will be able to conduct scientific research and support humanitarian assistance missions.
In addition to its primary missions, the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship will be able to support environmental responses, aid in navigation maintenance, engage in offshore search and rescue, and perform icebreaking operations in Arctic and southern waters, which will allow greater flexibility and adaptability for the Canadian Coast Guard’s operations.
The Canadian Coast Guard plays a vital role in protecting lives, the environment, and Canada’s maritime economy. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada is continuing its long-term investment in fleet renewal to enable the Canadian Coast Guard to provide reliable and effective service in Canadian waters for generations to come.
The National Shipbuilding Strategy is helping restore our shipyards, rebuild our marine industry and create sustainable jobs in Canada while protecting our sovereignty and interests at home and abroad.
Quotes
“With the keel laid for the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Sermilik, we are strengthening Canada’s ability to uphold our sovereignty and protect our maritime interests in the Arctic and beyond. This milestone reflects our commitment to innovation, job creation, and ensuring that the Canadian Coast Guard remains equipped and ready to serve Canadians from coast to coast to coast for generations to come.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“Today’s keel laying for the CCGS Sermilik marks another step forward in building a stronger, more self-reliant marine industry here in Canada. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are supporting good, sustainable jobs, strengthening our shipyards, and delivering modern vessels that will serve Canadians, from protecting our waters to supporting communities across the North, for generations to come.”
The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement
“I commend the work of our shipbuilders in reaching this keel laying for the CCGS Sermilik, which will contribute to a modern and capable Canadian Coast Guard fleet while supporting the growth of Canada’s marine industry. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are strengthening our shipbuilding capabilities, creating skilled jobs and delivering the vessels the Canadian Coast Guard needs to safeguard our waters and maritime sovereignty.”
The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)
Quick facts
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As part of the ceremonial event, a commemorative coin was placed in a cut-out near the keel of the CCGS Sermilik. In maritime tradition, the coin is thought to bring good luck to the ship and its crew.
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The Canadian Coast Guard’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships project will contribute more than $125M annually to Canada’s gross domestic product and create or maintain close to 1,250 jobs annually in the Canadian shipbuilding industry over the 2022-2030 period.
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The CCGS Sermilik is named after the Sermilik Glacier, located in Sirmilik National Park in Nunavut. Sermilik is an Inuit word meaning “place of glaciers”.
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The CCGS Sermilik is the eighth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship constructed under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, with six already delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy, and two currently under construction for the Canadian Coast Guard.
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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
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