Seaspan delivers Canadian Coast Guard's first new ship in decades

The new crew of the CCGS Sir John Franklin. Photo courtesy of Seaspan.

Seaspan Shipyards officially handed over the first Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel (OFSV), the CCGS Sir John Franklin to the Canadian Coast Guard.

Aboard the CCGS Sir John Franklin, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, senior officials from the Coast Guard, Seaspan and supply chain partners, all celebrated the official handing over ceremony.

This vessel marks a milestone in the rebirth and revitalization of the Canadian marine industrial sector, and is the first large vessel to be built and delivered to the Government of Canada under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS)

Seaspan is nearing completion of OFSV 2, the future CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier, which is currently undergoing systems commissioning in advance of the commencement of sea trials this fall. OFSV 3, the future CCGS John Cabot, will be structurally complete by the end of summer 2019.

The 63.4m OFSVs are one of the most complex ships of their size and type. Specifically designed to meet the needs of the Canadian Coast Guard and scientists, these vessels feature a variety of innovative systems including high-tech fishing trawls, laboratories and a deployable drop keel.

Through the NSS, Seaspan has expanded its workforce, created a growing marine supply chain, and invested over $200M to upgrade its shipyard. Seaspan operates three yards with a combined workforce greater than 2,300 people across its yards in North Vancouver & Victoria.