Canadian Coast Guard to build hybrid vessel in Gaspé

GASPÉ — Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, was in Gaspé to announce the contract award for the construction of the new Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel (NSFRV), the Canadian Coast Guard’s first diesel-electric hybrid vessel with a Battery Energy Storage System, designed to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.

Following an open competitive process, Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard, awarded Chantier Naval Forillon in Gaspé, Quebec, a contract to build a diesel-electric hybrid NSFRV. This contract was awarded for $55.5 million (excluding taxes) as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy and will create and maintain up to 90 jobs in the region.

The NSFRV is a specialized vessel for fisheries, oceanographic and hydrographic sciences. The vessel will undertake research to collect the data and information needed to help guide decision-making for sustainable fisheries and healthy ecosystems in the St. Lawrence River and Gulf region. The vessel is expected to join the Canadian Coast Guard fleet as early as 2027.

“As a maritime nation with the longest coastline in the world, Canada has a unique position opportunity to be a global leader in implementing low-carbon solutions and a blue economy for all. Today’s announcement is a major milestone in the maritime history of the Gaspé Peninsula,” said Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. “The construction of this vessel will not only create and maintain high-skilled, well-paying jobs, but will directly and indirectly boost the economy of the entire region.”