Posted on November 17, 2025
On November 16, 2025, against the backdrop of Vancouver Shipyards—now one of the most advanced shipbuilding hubs in North America—Seaspan Shipyards officially delivered the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV), CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, to the Canadian Coast Guard.
This milestone marks the fourth large vessel, and the second class of ship, that Seaspan has completed under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). For Seaspan’s workforce, industry partners across the country, and the Government of Canada, the OOSV represents something bigger than a delivery—it’s another tangible proof point that the strategy is generating world-class ships, sovereign capability, and sustained Canadian jobs.
“With the delivery of the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, Canada’s largest dedicated science vessel, the National Shipbuilding Strategy has helped create high-quality jobs, strengthen our shipbuilding industry, and expand the Coast Guard’s scientific and operational capabilities. It shows how strategic federal investments in shipbuilding support Canadian industry while enhancing our ability to monitor, understand, and protect our oceans,” stated the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.
The OOSV is a national achievement—built by Canadians, supporting Canadian science, and advancing Canada’s shipbuilding resurgence.
A Ceremony Rooted in Celebration and Collaboration
The acceptance ceremony, held at Vancouver Shipyards, brought together federal leaders, Coast Guard representatives, and Seaspan’s workforce to mark the moment.
Among the speakers were the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry; Ernie Klassen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Member of Parliament for South-Surrey-White Rock; the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Member of Parliament for North Vancouver-Capilano; Marc Mes, Deputy Commissioner of Programs at the Canadian Coast Guard; and John McCarthy, CEO of Seaspan Shipyards.
Their collective message was clear: the OOSV is a national achievement—built by Canadians, supporting Canadian science, and advancing Canada’s shipbuilding resurgence.
“Seaspan is immensely proud to deliver CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, an incredibly complex vessel that will perform important scientific research missions for Canada. As the first shipyard to deliver two different classes of ships under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan is showing that the investments made to rebuild shipbuilding on the West Coast have been successful — we are designing and building ships for Canada, in Canada. Today’s celebration is thanks to the dedication, creativity and teamwork of our engineers, designers, naval architects, skilled tradespeople, suppliers and Coast Guard partners. Thank you and congratulations to all on this magnificent milestone,” expressed John McCarthy, CEO, Seaspan Shipyards.
Every milestone at Seaspan reflects the strength of the National Shipbuilding Strategy and the workforce powering it.
Honouring an Inuit Leader
The vessel carries the name CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, honouring a respected elder from Nunavik known for her dedication to preserving and promoting Inuit language and culture. Her legacy now sails with a new generation of ocean scientists and Coast Guard personnel.
A Floating Lab for Canada’s Blue Future
Replacing the legendary CCGS Hudson—retired in 2022 after 59 years of service—the new OOSV becomes Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s primary oceanographic science platform.
Purpose-built for the demanding research required in Canada’s oceans, it is equipped to conduct:
- Habitat management studies
- Marine surveys
- Ocean current and seabed analysis
- Complex scientific sampling
- Coast Guard operational support, including Search and Rescue
It is, in every sense, a floating laboratory. Onboard, researchers will have access to advanced wet and dry labs, specialized spaces such as an ocean sampling room, and cutting-edge systems for measuring oxygen levels, salinity, temperature, underwater acoustics, and current velocities. At its heart is a state-of-the-art drop keel and sensor suite—technology that positions Canada at the forefront of ocean science.
In the coming weeks, the vessel will sail to Patricia Bay for Coast Guard training and familiarization before beginning its journey east. Its home port will be the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Halifax, Nova Scotia—Canada’s leading centre for marine research.
“The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk will ensure that the Canadian Coast Guard has the advanced capabilities it needs to serve Canadians and carry out critical missions that protect our marine environment. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we will continue delivering modern and capable ships to the Coast Guard that support good-paying jobs, and grow Canada’s marine industry,” explained the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement).
CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is a floating laboratory, purpose-built to push the boundaries of Canada’s ocean research capability.
Capping Off a Year of Momentum at Seaspan
The OOSV’s delivery punctuates a remarkable period of achievement for Seaspan. Over the past year, the shipyard has celebrated:
- The launch of HMCS Protecteur
- Steel cutting on the Canadian Coast Guard’s new heavy Polar Icebreaker
- A successful Functional Design Review for the Multi-Purpose Icebreakers
- A major design award for six U.S. Coast Guard Arctic Security Cutters
Each milestone deepens Seaspan’s growing influence in Arctic and ocean-focused shipbuilding and reinforces the NSS as a generational investment in Canadian capability.
“The delivery of the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk marks a major milestone in our efforts to modernize the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet. As our largest dedicated science vessel, this ship will serve as a world-class platform for critical oceanographic research, supporting sustainable marine resource management and our response to changing ocean conditions. I want to extend my sincere congratulations to the team at Vancouver Shipyards for their skill, dedication, and craftsmanship in bringing this complex and vital vessel to life. Their work helps ensure that Canada remains at the forefront of ocean science and marine safety for generations to come,” said Mario Pelletier, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard.
As the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk prepares for its first scientific missions, it carries more than equipment and sensors—it carries the expertise of Canadian shipbuilders, the legacy of a cultural leader, and the promise of deeper understanding of the waters that define Canada’s identity.
