Canadian shipbuilder Seaspan inks supply chain MOU with local steel manufacturers

Canada's Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Stigterstaal Canada and Algoma Steel to study the viability of forming a partnership aimed at reestablishing a domestic steel supply chain.

Seaspan said the supply chain will be, "focused on bolstering and expanding shipbuilding in Canada."

Seaspan said the MOU will provide a framework for the three companies to assess the feasibility of Algoma Steel supplying class and non-class steel to Seaspan through Stigterstaal, which will act as a commercial and logistical subcontractor.

All parties will engage in discussions to evaluate technical, commercial and logistical requirements for Seaspan's first-in-class icebreaker build.

In April, Seaspan began construction on the Canadian Coast Guard's (CCG) new heavy polar icebreaker. The company said this will be the only heavy polar icebreaker to be fully built in Canada and, once delivered, will be the largest and most capable ship in the CCG fleet.

The ship will be used for scientific expeditions, search and rescue missions, and protecting Canada’s Arctic sovereignty, according to Sespan.

Capable of breaking 2.5 metres of ice continuously, the ship will be used for year-round operations in the Arctic.