The Canadian government has announced a CAD 2.5 billioninvestment to renew the Canadian Coast Guard’s small vessel fleet. This investment aims to support the agency’s operations in shallow coastal waters, inland lakes, and rivers where larger ships are unable to operate effectively.
The funding will be used to acquire up to 61 small vessels and replace existing craft, barges, and work boats with modern equipment. The planned acquisitions include six Mid-shore Multi-Mission Vessels, one Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel, and 16 Specialty Vessels, which consist of two Special NavAids Vessels, four Special Shallow Draft Buoy Tenders, four Inshore Science Vessels, four Special Enforcement Vessels, two Lake Class Vessels, four Air Cushion Vehicles, and 34 Cape Class Search and Rescue Lifeboats.
These procurement efforts will provide opportunities for smaller shipyards and suppliers across Canada. The acquisitions will be carried out under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, which has previously delivered 16 small vessels, including 14 Search and Rescue lifeboats and two Channel Survey and Sounding Vessels, to the Canadian Coast Guard.
