Canadian Coast Guard acquires civilian icebreaker

The Canadian Coast Guard will expand its fleet of icebreakers through the recently completed purchase of a vessel formerly owned by New Brunswick-based marine services company Atlantic Towing.

The vessel is scheduled to arrive at the coast guard base in Prescott, Ontario, later this year. Upon its arrival, it will undergo inspection and design work in preparation for its conversion for icebreaking duties under coast guard control.

Public Services and Procurement Canada will issue a public tender for the refit work in early 2022.

The coast guard said the vessel will perform icebreaking duties as well as tend navigational buoys in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence, and Atlantic regions. In addition, the vessel will be available for search and rescue duties when needed.

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