Seaspan Shipyards officially delivers first Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel to Canadian Coast Guard
On June 27 Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) and the Government of Canada celebrated the official handover of the first Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel (OFSV), the CCGS Sir John Franklin to the Canadian Coast Guard (Coast Guard). An official handover ceremony took place aboard the vessel attended by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, senior officials from the Coast Guard, Seaspan and supply chain partners.
The delivery of the first OFSV is the culmination of years of work by hundreds of dedicated Seaspan employees and supply chain partners from across Canada. As the first large vessel to be built and delivered to the Government of Canada under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), it also marks a significant milestone in the rebirth and revitalization of the Canadian marine industrial sector. This achievement follows another important milestone with the recent successful launch of OFSV 2, the future CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier on June 5. OFSV 2 is currently undergoing systems commissioning in advance of the commencement of sea trials this fall. OFSV 3, the future CCGS John Cabot, will be structurally complete by the end of summer 2019.
Designed and built by Seaspan, the 63.4m OFSVs are one of the most complex ships of their size and type. Specifically designed to meet the needs of the Canadian Coast Guard and scientists, these vessels feature a variety of innovative systems including high-tech fishing trawls, laboratories and a deployable drop keel. The vessels will serve as a platform for Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists to monitor the health of fish stocks, better understand the impacts of climate change and support oceans research.
Under the Government of Canada’s NSS, Seaspan has significantly expanded its workforce, created a growing marine supply chain, and invested over $200M to upgrade its shipyard for the long term program of work ahead. Through its NSS-related work, Seaspan has issued over $935M in contracts to approximately 630 Canadian companies, including over $405M in contracts awarded to 472 BC-based companies. Through its work under the NSS Seaspan is creating jobs, enabling new export opportunities and encouraging economic growth from coast to coast.
