Construction starts on new Canadian Coast Guard research ships

Seaspan Shipyards recently held a steel-cutting ceremony to mark the official start of construction of a new class of scientific research vessels to be operated jointly by the Canadian Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

The three Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessels (OOSVs) will each measure 88 metres long and will be equipped to support a wide range of oceanographic, fishery, geological, and hydrographic survey missions. Onboard facilities on each ship will include: wet and dry laboratories; an ocean sampling room; a scientific seawater system for studying oxygen levels, temperature, and salinity; and a state-of-the-art drop keel and sensor suite for collecting and analysing data on various environmental factors such as water current velocities and underwater acoustics.

The OOSVs will accommodate up to 34 crew and 26 scientists and will also perform search and rescue (SAR) operations and environmental response as needed.

The first OOSV will replace CCGS Hudson, which was Canada’s first ocean science vessel when it entered service in 1964 and is the longest-serving ship in the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. Hudson is set to retire in 2024 after 60 years of service.