Gaspé – In Canada and around the world, the effects of climate change and ocean warming are undeniable. To address this issue, it is more important than ever to find sustainable and resilient solutions to ensure the safety of our waters. In line with the Government of Canada’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for 2030 and 2050, the Canadian Coast Guard continues its tangible decarbonization efforts, transitioning to an increasingly green, low-carbon fleet.
Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, was in Gaspé to announce the contract award for the construction of the new Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel (NSFRV), the Canadian Coast Guard’s first-ever diesel-electric hybrid vessel with a Battery Energy Storage System, designed to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.
Following an open competitive process, Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard, awarded Chantier Naval Forillon in Gaspé, Quebec, a contract to build a diesel-electric hybrid NSFRV. This contract was awarded for $55.5 million (excluding taxes) as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, and will create and maintain up to 90 highly skilled and well-paying jobs in the region.
The NSFRV is a specialized vessel for fisheries, oceanographic and hydrographic sciences. Outfitted with cutting-edge technologies in fisheries, oceanographic and hydrographic sciences, the new vessel will undertake critical research to collect the data and information needed to help guide decision-making for sustainable fisheries and healthy ecosystems in the St. Lawrence River and Gulf region. The vessel is expected to join the Canadian Coast Guard fleet as early as 2027.
With the construction of this first-of-its-kind Canadian Coast Guard vessel, Canada is taking concrete action to fight climate change and improve vessel design to continue to provide world-class marine services, while reducing environmental impacts on our waters and marine ecosystems.
“As a maritime nation with the longest coastline in the world, Canada has a unique position opportunity to be a global leader in implementing low-carbon solutions and a blue economy for all. Today’s announcement is a major milestone in the maritime history of the Gaspé Peninsula. The construction of this vessel will not only create and maintain high-skilled, well-paying jobs, but will directly and indirectly boost the economy of the entire region.” – Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard