Quebec yard to refit Canada's flagship icebreaker

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The following is the text of a news release from the government of Canada:

(LEVIS, Quebec) (April 17) — Parliamentary Secretary Bernard Trottier, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, minister of Public Works and Government Services, and the Honourable Steven Blaney, minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that the government of Canada has awarded a $6.5 million contract to Babcock Canada Inc. for critical refit work for Canadian Coast Guard ship CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent. This contract was awarded as the result of an open and competitive procurement process. The shipyard portion of the work will be carried out by Chantier Davie Canada Inc., a subcontractor to Babcock Canada.

The CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent is Canada's largest and heaviest icebreaker. While in drydock at the Davie Shipyard in Lévis, Québec, the vessel will undergo critical maintenance. This work will be completed prior to the vessel’s deployment to the Arctic to provide icebreaking services and other activities including scientific research, search and rescue support, and delivery of essential supplies to remote communities.

Quick facts
    
• The refit work to be completed on the vessel includes regulatory maintenance to the propulsion systems, hull, auxiliary/domestic systems and the navigation and communications systems.
• According to the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy is expected to provide 15,000 high-value jobs and $30 billion in economic benefit over the next 30 years.
• Economic benefits from the strategy will flow to the broader marine industry, generating employment for skilled workers in a variety of sectors, such as steel manufacturing, information technology and defense systems.

Quotes

“Our government has invested more in the Coast Guard than any other government in Canadian history. Through the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy we are revitalizing Canada’s Coast Guard fleet so it can continue to keep our waterways safe and accessible while at the same time developing long-term economic opportunities for the Canadian shipbuilding industry.”
— Gail Shea, minister of Fisheries and Oceans

“Our government is committed to ensuring that the Canadian Coast Guard has the equipment that they need to do the work we ask of them, while supporting Canadian jobs and economic growth.”
— Bernard Trottier, parliamentary secretary to the minister of Public Works and Government Services

“Davie has a long history of shipbuilding excellence in Québec and around the world. This contract for refit work on Canada’s flagship icebreaker is just one example of how this government is making strategic investments that will not only ensure that the coast guard can continue its vital work, but will also support job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity right here in Lévis.”
— Steven Blaney, minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

By Professional Mariner Staff