Vancouver-based Seaspan Shipyards has officially delivered the new Canadian Coast Guard vessel CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, marking a major milestone in Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and the arrival of the country’s largest dedicated oceanographic research ship.
The 88-metre offshore oceanographic science vessel was formally accepted by the Canadian Coast Guard at a ceremony held at Seaspan’s Vancouver shipyard, attended by senior government officials and industry executives.
Naalak Nappaaluk is the fourth large vessel delivered by Seaspan under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, and the second to be fully constructed at the yard as part of the program. At peak activity, the project provided work for more than 1,000 people and supported hundreds of suppliers across Canada.
Seaspan Shipyards CEO John McCarthy commented:
“Seaspan is incredibly proud to have built CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk – an extremely complex vessel that will carry out critical science missions for Canada. As the first shipyard to deliver two different classes of vessels under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan is demonstrating that investments in rebuilding West Coast shipbuilding are paying off – we are designing and building ships for Canada, in Canada.”
A floating laboratory to replace CCGS Hudson
The new vessel will replace CCGS Hudson, which was retired in 2022 after 59 years of service.
Designed as a state-of-the-art floating laboratory, CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is equipped with:
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multiple specialised laboratories for water and sediment analysis,
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a dedicated ocean sampling room,
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a marine mammal observation station,
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a modern retractable keel and an advanced suite of sensors for oceanographic data collection.
The ship can accommodate 34 crew and 26 scientists, remain at sea for up to six weeks, and has a range of more than 6,000 nautical miles.
In addition to research missions, the vessel is outfitted to support search and rescue operations and environmental response activities when required.
Key step in modernising the Coast Guard fleet
Canadian Coast Guard Commissioner Mario Pelletier highlighted the strategic importance of the new ship:
“The delivery of CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk marks an important milestone in our efforts to modernise the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. As our largest dedicated science vessel, it will provide a world-class platform for critical oceanographic research, supporting sustainable management of marine resources and our ability to respond to changing ocean conditions.”
Honouring Inuit heritage
The vessel is named after Naalak Nappaaluk, a respected Inuit elder from Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik, known for his work in promoting Inuit language, culture and traditional knowledge.
The name was selected in partnership with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, reflecting the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation and partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Economic impact and next steps
The US$1.47 billion project forms part of Canada’s broader National Shipbuilding Strategy, under which contracts totalling around US$54 billion had been awarded as of September 2025.
Between 2012 and 2025, the strategy has:
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contributed nearly US$38.7 billion to Canada’s GDP,
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created or sustained more than 21,400 jobs per year on average.
Following sea trials, CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk will depart Vancouver via the Panama Canal for her home port at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where she is expected to enter service in 2026.
This delivery follows other major milestones for Seaspan, including the launch of HMCS Protecteur, the start of construction on a heavy polar icebreaker, and the award of a contract to design six Arctic security cutters for the United States Coast Guard.
