New Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard
News release
November 13, 2025 – Vancouver, British Columbia – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, on behalf of David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence was at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards to formally accept the new Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Naalak Nappaaluk.
Built in Canada, the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, an Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, will become the largest dedicated science vessel in the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. This new ship provides capability and capacity to support ocean science missions on Canada’s coasts. This achievement is an important step to provide the Canadian Coast Guard with safe, modern, and Canadian-made equipment needed to deliver critical services to Canadians.
The Canadian Coast Guard is renewing its fleet with vessels designed to support vital marine research, safeguard Canada’s waters, and strengthen national sovereignty. With the Atlantic Ocean home to some of the richest marine ecosystems in the world, Canada’s ability to study and manage these waters is more important than ever.
The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk features a marine mammal observation station, ocean sampling room, multiple laboratories, and cutting-edge technology to study and monitor ocean ecosystems. The vessel is also equipped to support search and rescue missions and environmental response efforts, when needed.
The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk will support important ocean research, conduct critical missions, and improve Canada’s understanding of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. The data and samples collected onboard this vessel will also support Canada’s domestic and international commitments to advance the sustainable management of our oceans.
This vessel was built by Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada’s commitment to renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet while revitalizing Canada’s marine industry, creating middle-class jobs and maximizing economic benefits across the country.
Quotes
“The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Naalak Nappaaluk stands as a testament to Canadian innovation, skilled shipbuilders, and the National Shipbuilding Strategy’s long-term vision. We are proud to deliver modern, Canadian-made vessels that help safeguard our oceans and communities. We are investing in both the future of ocean research and the resilience of coastal communities that depend on healthy seas.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“With the delivery of the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, Canada’s largest dedicated science vessel, the National Shipbuilding Strategy has helped create high-quality jobs, strengthen our shipbuilding industry, and expand the Coast Guard’s scientific and operational capabilities. It shows how strategic federal investments in shipbuilding support Canadian industry while enhancing our ability to monitor, understand, and protect our oceans.”
The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement
“The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is a powerful symbol of Canada’s industrial ambition and strategic vision. Through our National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are not only revitalizing our marine sector but also driving innovation, creating high-quality jobs and reinforcing our sovereign research capabilities. Built by Canadians, this vessel reflects our commitment to building a resilient industrial base, a competitive defence sector and a future where Canadian expertise leads on the world stage.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“Science is how we take care of the ocean. As the climate changes, we need the best data to understand what’s happening and act quickly. With the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, we’re strengthening our capacity to monitor marine wildlife and the health of our waters, so we can respond to emerging challenges and keep our ocean healthy for the next generation.”
The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
“The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk will ensure that the Canadian Coast Guard has the advanced capabilities it needs to serve Canadians and carry out critical missions that protect our marine environment. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we will continue delivering modern and capable ships to the Coast Guard that support good-paying jobs, and grow Canada’s marine industry.”
The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)
Quick facts
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The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk will support the Government of Canada’s oceanographic science research requirements for the next 30+ years, as the Canadian Coast Guard’s primary east coast ocean science research vessel. It can accommodate up to 34 crew and 26 scientists and will be stationed at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
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With sea trials successfully completed, the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk will make the transit from the West Coast to its home port at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography through the Panama Canal.
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The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is named after Naalak Nappaaluk (1928-2010), a well-respected elder and promoter of the Inuit language and culture. He brought a forgotten part of history to life for new generations of Inuit and newcomers to the North and supported many projects to protect and promote Inuit language, culture, and traditional knowledge.
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This year marks the 15th anniversary of the National Shipbuilding Strategy. As of September 2025, the Government of Canada has signed approximately $54 billion in National Shipbuilding Strategy contracts across the country. It is estimated that National Shipbuilding Strategy contracts awarded between 2012 and 2024 have contributed close to $38.7 billion ($2.8 billion annually) to Canada’s gross domestic product and created or maintained more than 21,400 jobs annually over the 2012 to 2025 period.
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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
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