Monumental MoU Melds Maritime Might & Made-in-Canada Mission

In a decisive step to revitalise Canada’s shipbuilding sector, Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Algoma Steel Inc. and Stigterstaal Canada. Announced in North Vancouver, this MoU outlines plans to source high-quality Canadian-made steel for Seaspan’s first-in-class heavy polar icebreaker. Stigterstaal will act as a commercial and logistical subcontractor, coordinating the steel supply from Algoma’s modernised mill in Sault Ste. Marie to Seaspan’s West Coast shipyards. The agreement reflects Seaspan’s pledge to strengthen Canadian industry under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, aiming to ensure strategic projects use local materials and expertise.

Arctic Aspirations Anchor Ambitious Assembly & Advanced Engineering

Seaspan began construction of the Canadian Coast Guard’s heavy polar icebreaker in April, marking a milestone for the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Once completed, the vessel will be the largest and most capable in the Coast Guard’s fleet, breaking through ice up to 2.5 metres thick and operating year-round in Arctic waters. Beyond its engineering prowess, the icebreaker will serve critical missions including scientific research, search and rescue, and asserting Canada’s Arctic sovereignty. By building this ship entirely in Canada, Seaspan hopes to foster local expertise in complex icebreaking vessel construction.

Domestic Developments Drive Decarbonised Durable Deliveries

At the heart of this collaboration is Algoma Steel’s commitment to sustainability and modernisation. The company has invested heavily in upgrading its heavy plate mill, now one of the most advanced in the Western Hemisphere. Algoma is also transitioning to Electric Arc Furnace technology, which produces lower emissions while ensuring consistent steel quality. As Canada’s only discrete plate producer, Algoma’s steel is vital for large-scale projects like the polar icebreaker. “Algoma Steel is proud to support Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and serve as a strategic supplier to the country’s infrastructure and defence sectors,” said Christopher Ford, Chief Commercial Officer. “With the completion of our plate mill modernisation and ongoing transformation, we are well positioned to deliver high-quality, made-in-Canada steel for critical national projects.”

Synergistic Supply Chains Spur Sovereignty & Sustain Strategic Sectors

Stigterstaal Canada, renowned for serving the global maritime and offshore industries, will play a crucial role as the commercial and logistical link in this supply chain. Ronald de Groot, CEO, emphasised the firm’s commitment to Canada’s shipbuilding revival: “At Stigterstaal Canada, we are extremely proud to be part of rebuilding the Canadian shipbuilding industry alongside partners like Algoma. Over the past few years, a significant upgrade has taken place at the mill in Sault Ste. Marie, transforming it into one of the most modern heavy plate mills in the Western Hemisphere. Together with Seaspan, we are committed to maximising the use of Canadian steel in their future projects. In close collaboration with Algoma, we are taking the necessary steps to make this a reality.” Stigterstaal has pledged to meet 100% Canadian content targets in Seaspan’s shipbuilding projects, supporting Canada’s Industrial & Regional Benefits policies.

Strategic Shipbuilding Spurs Sustained Support & Significant Spending

Through Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan has already created a supply chain of more than 800 Canadian companies, awarding over $3 billion in contracts across provinces. These partnerships have supported approximately 4,300 skilled jobs at Seaspan’s shipyards in North Vancouver and Victoria. Beyond immediate employment, the strategy aims to build long-term industrial capabilities and ensure Canada remains self-reliant in constructing complex vessels. Kate Morton, Vice President of Supply Chain Management at Seaspan, said, “This signed Memorandum of Understanding paves the way for Seaspan, Stigterstaal and Algoma to build on our shared goals of mutual economic benefits to our nation. Seaspan is committed to partnering with Algoma and Stigterstaal for future shipbuilding initiatives, ensuring that knowledge from other shipbuilding and icebreaking jurisdictions is developed in Canada.”

National Narratives & Northern Navigation Nurture New Notions

The icebreaker is the seventh vessel Seaspan is building under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. It symbolises more than engineering success: it is a testament to Canada’s commitment to protect Arctic sovereignty, enhance scientific exploration, and respond effectively to emergencies in harsh conditions. By anchoring the project in Canadian expertise and materials, Seaspan and its partners aim to keep economic benefits at home while advancing sustainability goals. The ship’s design, featuring robust icebreaking capability and modern research facilities, positions it as a flagship of Canada’s maritime future.

Quotes Quell Queries & Quantify Quality Commitments

All three partners underscored shared values of economic resilience, national pride, and environmental responsibility. Kate Morton of Seaspan praised the collaboration for blending local innovation with international expertise. Ronald de Groot of Stigterstaal celebrated Canada’s shipbuilding revival, while Christopher Ford of Algoma highlighted investments ensuring sustainable, high-quality steel. Together, these statements illustrate a unified vision: a Canadian-built ship using Canadian steel, supported by Canadian workers, to serve national interests in the Arctic and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

• Seaspan signed an MoU with Algoma Steel & Stigterstaal Canada to prioritise Canadian-made steel for Canada’s first heavy polar icebreaker.

• The ship, built entirely in Canada, will support Arctic sovereignty, science and search & rescue missions.

The partnership supports over 4,300 jobs and leverages more than $3 billion in Canadian supplier contracts.