Seaspan Marks 15 Years of National Shipbuilding Strategy with Build-in-Canada Successes!

Seaspan Shipyards, headquartered in North Vancouver, B.C., recently hosted federal officials to mark the 15th anniversary of the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), a long-term government initiative launched to renew the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) fleets while revitalizing Canada’s domestic shipbuilding industry. The event on August 12, 2025, celebrated both past achievements and the future potential of Canadian shipbuilding, underscoring Seaspan’s role as a key partner in the program.

Since its involvement in the NSS began in 2012, Seaspan has emerged as a major contributor to Canada’s economy and defense readiness. The company has supported more than 11,000 jobs annually and generated over \$5.7 billion in total economic activity. Its commitment to Canadian industry is further reflected in \$3 billion worth of contracts awarded to more than 800 Canadian suppliers across the country, strengthening the supply chain and creating opportunities for domestic manufacturers.

On the production front, Seaspan has already delivered significant assets under the NSS. It has built and delivered three Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels to the Canadian Coast Guard, launched the first of two Joint Support Ships for the Royal Canadian Navy, and is currently conducting sea trials on the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel CCGS Naalak Nappaluuk. These projects highlight Seaspan’s ability to deliver complex, high-value ships that meet the demanding requirements of both naval and scientific missions.

Looking ahead, the company continues to play a central role in shaping Canada’s maritime future. Seaspan has commenced construction of the country’s new heavy polar icebreaker, which will be one of the most powerful vessels ever built for the Canadian Coast Guard. In parallel, it is advancing design work for a new class of multi-purpose icebreakers and expanding its marine engineering capacity, with an eye on potential export opportunities. This diversification positions Seaspan not only as a domestic supplier but also as a global contender in specialized shipbuilding.

Beyond new builds, Seaspan’s Vancouver Drydock and Victoria Shipyards provide critical repair, refit, and maintenance services for the existing RCN and CCG fleets. These capabilities ensure that Canada’s maritime assets remain operational and mission-ready while further extending Seaspan’s contributions to national defense and marine safety.

Reflecting on the 15-year journey, John McCarthy, CEO of Seaspan Shipyards, emphasized the broader significance of the NSS. “As we celebrate 15 years of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, it is important to not only look back on our successes, but to look ahead to where we are going,” he said. McCarthy noted that in the past year alone, Seaspan launched two ships, began sea trials for the CCG’s Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, and started construction of the Coast Guard’s most powerful icebreaker. He also highlighted key partnerships with Canadian companies like Algoma Steel as evidence of the industry’s renewal.

“The state of shipbuilding in Canada right now is very encouraging,” McCarthy added. “Seaspan’s capability is a national strategic asset. We’re ready to design and build the ships Canada needs, in Canada. Thank you to our government partners, our Canadian shipbuilding supply chain and, most importantly, our world-class designers, engineers and tradespeople for proving over the last 15 years that build-in-Canada solutions are the right choice for the economy, for industry, and for Canadians.”

The celebration of 15 years under the NSS underscores not only Seaspan’s contributions but also the broader revival of Canadian shipbuilding. With new vessels under construction and future projects on the horizon, the initiative has become a cornerstone of Canada’s industrial and defense strategy, ensuring the nation’s ability to design, build, and sustain ships domestically for generations to come.