Canadian Coast Guard’s Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel

Overview

The Canadian Coast Guard’s Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Naalak Nappaaluk, represents a major milestone under the National Shipbuilding Strategy and marks the next generation of Canada’s ocean science capability. Built by Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards, this state-of-the-art ship will replace the retired CCGS Hudson, serving as the primary ocean science platform on Canada’s East Coast for the next 30 years and beyond.

The vessel is named in honour of Naalak Nappaaluk (1928–2010), a respected Inuk Elder, teacher, and knowledge keeper from Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik. Mr. Nappaaluk devoted his life to preserving and promoting Inuit language, culture, and traditional knowledge. The name was selected in collaboration with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, reflecting the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and partnership with Indigenous Peoples.

Project Summary

The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk was constructed under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, a long-term plan to renew the federal fleet, revitalize Canada’s marine industry, and sustain high-skilled jobs nationwide.

At its peak, the project employed more than 1,000 workers at Vancouver Shipyards and supported hundreds of suppliers across Canada. Between 2012 and 2026, it is estimated that the National Shipbuilding Strategy contracts have contributed close to $49.8 billion ($3.3 billion annually) to Canada’s gross domestic product and created or maintained more than 25,000 jobs annually over that period.

Vessels general specifications

The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is the largest dedicated science vessel ever built for the Canadian Coast Guard. It combines cutting-edge marine research facilities with robust operational versatility. Key features include:

• Modular working deck allowing mission-specific science modules to be swapped in and out;
• Ocean sampling room and multiple specialized laboratories (general-purpose, chemical, acoustics, salinity, computer, and seawater);
• Conductivity-Temperature-Depth and Hydro Wire Launch and Recovery System;
• Cranes, towing booms, and seismic compressors for deep-water deployments;
• Drop keel and advanced sonar/sensor arrays for detailed ocean-data collection.

The vessel accommodates 34 crew and 26 scientists, with endurance for multi-week missions. It can also support search and rescue and environmental response operations, when required.

Mission and Role

The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk provides a dedicated platform to advance oceanographic research programs. It collects vital data and samples to support:

• Research on climate-driven changes in the Atlantic Ocean;
• Marine ecosystem monitoring and biodiversity studies;
• Long-term environmental observation to inform sustainable management of Canada’s oceans;
• Mapping the seafloor geology to inform ocean planning, environmental assessments and resource exploration and renewable development projects.

The data collected aboard also contributes to Canada’s domestic and international commitments, including the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).

Quick Facts

• Project cost: $1.47 billion (including taxes)
• Crew capacity: 34 crew + 26 scientists
• Home port: Bedford Institute of Oceanography (Dartmouth, Nova Scotia)
• Builder: Vancouver Shipyards – Seaspan Shipyards (under NSS)
• Role: Primary East Coast ocean science research vessel and multi-mission platform
• Length: ~88 metres
• Range and endurance: Over 13,000 nautical miles / up to ten weeks at sea
• Entry into service: 2026
• Named after: Naalak Nappaaluk (1928–2010), Inuk Elder from Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik