Canada: The Canadian government has announced that contracts have been awarded for the design of the Canadian Coast Guard's new offshore science vessels.
Four new scientific research vessels will be designed by Canadian shipbuilding firms including three new offshore fisheries science vessels and one new offshore oceanographic science vessel.
The three new fisheries science vessels will be designed by Robert Allan, Alion Science and Technology (Canada) Corporation and Alion Science and Technology Corporation in joint venture. Two of these vessels are intended as replacements for CCGS 'Teleost', CCGS 'Alfred Needler', and CCGS 'W.E. Ricker', as well as CCGS 'Wilfred Templeman', which the Coast Guard uses to fill in for the other vessels when they are out of service for repairs.
The design contract for the three new offshore fisheries science vessels is valued at CA$2.5 million (US$2.43 million).
STX Canada Marine, of Vancouver, British Columbia will design the Canadian Coast Guard's new offshore oceanographic science vessel. The new vessel, which was announced in the Budget 2007, is intended to replace CCGS 'Hudson' on the East Coast.
"Coast Guard vessels are critical resources for the science that helps us manage and protect our precious marine resources," said the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Gail Shea.
"In addition to fulfilling its primary commitment to marine safety and environmental response, the Canadian Coast Guard plays an indispensable role in fulfilling the mandate of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to conduct marine scientific research and related activities which are vital to the understanding and sustainable management of Canada's oceans and aquatic resources."
Each vessel will have accommodations for approximately 39 (crew and scientists). The vessels will be about 60-65 metres in length, and will be capable of staying at sea for up to 31 days without re-provisioning. The design will include a modern propulsion system, an integrated bridge, modern acoustic sensors, and modern deck and trawl equipment.
Two of the new vessels will be delivered in 2014, and the remaining vessel will be delivered in 2015.
This new Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel is intended to replace CCGS 'Hudson' on the East Coast.
The vessel will have accommodations for approximately 59 (crew and scientists). It will be about 90 metres in length, and will be capable of remaining at sea for several weeks without re-provisioning. Its design will include a modern propulsion system, automation in the machinery spaces, an integrated bridge, and a modern dynamic positioning system to allow scientific research within a given zone for prolonged periods.
STX Canada Marine, of Vancouver, British Columbia, has been awarded a CA$2.48 million (US$2.41 million) contract to design the Canadian Coast Guard's new offshore oceanographic science vessel. The new vessel will be delivered in 2014.
Combined these new design contracts represent a CA$4.98 million (US$4.85 million) commitment to Canada's shipbuilding industry.
