Seaspan Signs $182 Million Steel Deal for Canada's New Icebreakers

Logisticswall Maritime Update | 8 November 2026

Canada's Seaspan Shipyards has signed a $182 million steel supply agreement with Algoma Steel and Stigterstaal Canada for the construction of up to six Multi-Purpose Icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard.

The agreement covers approximately 24,000 tonnes of Canadian-made steel, or around 4,000 tonnes per vessel. The steel will be manufactured by Algoma Steel in Ontario and processed and distributed by Stigterstaal Canada.

Vessel specifications

The icebreakers will be approximately 100 metres long, with a displacement of nearly 9,000 tonnes and capacity for around 50 crew members. Designed to Polar Class 4 standards, they will use diesel-electric propulsion and operate in Canada's Arctic and offshore waters.

Their duties will include icebreaking, search and rescue, environmental response and emergency towing.

Strategic importance

The contract strengthens Canada's domestic shipbuilding supply chain by linking local steel production directly with naval and Coast Guard vessel construction.

The investment also comes as Arctic maritime activity and security requirements increase. Canada needs specialised vessels to maintain access to northern communities, support commercial navigation and strengthen its operational presence in Arctic waters.

For Seaspan, the agreement secures a major domestic steel supply chain for its icebreaker programme, while providing Algoma Steel with a significant order for specialised marine-grade steel.