Government of Canada moves forward on life extension for Canadian Coast Guard Ship Edward Cornwallis

News release

March 2, 2020 - Gatineau, Quebec - Public Services and Procurement Canada

Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada is equipping the Canadian Coast Guard with the safe and effective vessels it needs. These vessels enable the Coast Guard’s critically important work of protecting our waterways, while creating new opportunities for workers and businesses across the country.

Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that the Government of Canada awarded a $12.1-million contract to Shelburne Ship Repair, of Shelburne, Nova Scotia, to perform vessel life extension work on the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Edward Cornwallis, a light icebreaker.

The CCGS Edward Cornwallis is a high-endurance multi-tasked vessel, which performs light icebreaking and buoy tending operations essential to keeping our waters open and safe for marine traffic. The vessel’s home port is located at the Canadian Coast Guard Base in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

This contract was awarded under the repair, refit and maintenance component of the National Shipbuilding Strategy and will help support up to 55 jobs in Nova Scotia.

Quotes

“The National Shipbuilding Strategy has clear benefits for communities right across Canada, whether it be through generating local jobs, enhancing economic growth in the shipbuilding industry and its spinoff sectors, or equipping the Canadian Coast Guard. Through this life extension project for the CCGS Edward Cornwallis, the Government of Canada is investing $12.1 million in Shelburne Ship Repair and ensuring that we have the icebreaking capabilities needed to best serve our coastal communities in Nova Scotia and around the country.”

The Honourable Anita Anand
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

“Canada has the longest coastline in the world, and our Coast Guard must be a strong and reliable force to meet its demands. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada is proud to fund Shelburne Ship Repair to perform vessel life extension work on the CCGS Edward Cornwallis so that it can continue to serve and protect Canadians as a vital member of the Coast Guard fleet.”

The Honourable Bernadette Jordan
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“Today’s announcement is good news for Shelburne and the South Shore of Nova Scotia. This contract will provide 55 quality jobs right here in rural Nova Scotia. We are grateful for the confidence of the Canadian Coast Guard and this opportunity for our shipyard team to support the great work being done by the men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard.”

Kevin McCoy
President of Irving Shipbuilding

Quick facts

  • This work on the CCGS Edward Cornwallis is part of the Canadian Coast Guard’s Vessel Life Extension Program. This program ensures Coast Guard vessels are kept in safe and reliable working condition, in accordance with Transport Canada inspection requirements.

  • Work under this contract is expected to take place from April 2020 to January 2021.

  • The work will include the replacement of main engines, a new heavy lift crane, a new bow thruster and hull coating. The vessel will also undergo regulatory work such as, pulling and inspecting the tail shafts, seals, stern tubes, propellers, and rudder. In addition, miscellaneous regulatory surveys of the sea bays, sea chests and void spaces will be conducted.

  • This 34-year-old light icebreaker was launched in 1986 and built by Marine Industries from Tracy, Quebec.

  • Since the launch of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, more than $7.5 billion in contracts has been awarded under the repair, refit and maintenance pillar of the strategy.

Associated links

Contacts

Cecely Roy
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Anita Anand
343-549-7293

Media Relations
Public Services and Procurement Canada
819-420-5501
media@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca

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