As part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, the Canadian Coast Guard will acquire three new offshore fisheries science vessels, one new offshore oceanographic science vessel and a new polar icebreaker, which has already been named CCGS John G. Diefenbaker.
Polar Icebreaker
Budget 2008 provided $720 million for the procurement of a new polar icebreaker. Once built, the vessel will be the pride of Canada’s Coast Guard fleet. It is expected to enter into full Arctic service in 2017.
Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels
The Canadian Coast Guard will acquire three new offshore fisheries science vessels. Two of these vessels were announced in Budget 2005, and one in Budget 2007. The new vessels will replace CCGS Teleost, Wilfred Templeman, Alfred Needler, and W. E. Ricker. The first new vessel will be in service by 2013.
Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel
Announced in Budget 2007, the new offshore oceanographic science vessel will replace CCGS Hudson. It is expected to be in service by 2014.
The Canadian Coast Guard has a 30-year Fleet Renewal Plan that guides the procurement of new vessels to gradually replace those that are reaching the end of their operational life. This plan also calls for the continuous improvement of maintenance for the existing fleet.
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