New design unveiled for Canadian Coast Guard lifeboats

VANCOUVER—Fisheries and Oceans Canada has unveiled the new design for the next generation of Canadian Coast Guard lifeboats.

The design was unveiled in Vancouver three weeks after the federal government announced funding of as much as $448-million to renew the Coast Guard fleet.

“I am proud that the design work for these vessels was done right here in Vancouver and that the contract for constructing the vessels will be open to shipyards across Canada,” Associate Minister of National Defence Kerry-Lynne findlay said in a statement.

“This is a good example of the benefits of our government’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy providing economic benefits across the country.”

The design work for the lifeboats was part of a $747,641 contract awarded in April 2012 to Robert Allan Ltd.

Part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, the shore-based, self-righting vessels will be capable of operations up to 100 nautical miles from shore.

Construction of the vessels is expected to begin as early as 2014, and the tender will be open to Canadian shipyards other than the two shipyards selected to build the larger defence vessels.

Since 2009, over 100 new vessels have been built for the Coast Guard, including four Hero-class mid-shore patrol vessels, a hovercraft, five search and rescue lifeboats, 30 environmental barges and 60 small craft.