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Polar Icebreaker

Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) largest and most capable icebreaker, CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, is scheduled for decommissioning in 2017.  Consequently, Budget 2008 provided funds for the acquisition of a new Canadian-built multi-purpose Polar Icebreaker. The only other heavy icebreaker, CCGS Terry Fox, is scheduled for decommissioning in 2020.

  Image of polar icebreakers

The Polar Icebreaker will be named after former Prime Minister John George Diefenbaker (CCGS John G. Diefenbaker), one of Canadian history’s great champions of developing and protecting Canada’s North.  CCGS John G. Diefenbaker will be one of the centerpieces of the Government of Canada’s high profile Northern Strategy, which focuses on strengthening Canada’s Arctic sovereignty, economic and social development, governance, and environmental protection.

The Polar Icebreaker will be capable of operating in Canada’s Arctic farther north and for a longer period of time each year.  It will provide the CCG with increased coverage in the Canadian Arctic and adjacent waters and will be able to operate for three seasons in the Arctic, over a larger area and in more difficult ice conditions.

Designing and building a Polar Icebreaker is a major national project. It is expected to take eight to ten years to design and build, and is expected to enter into full Arctic service in 2017, in time for the decommissioning of the CCGS Louis S. St‑Laurent.


 A concept image of the new polar icebreaker

If you have any questions, or you need more information, contact us. 

Date Modified: 2012-06-21

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