Sipu Muin Modernization Work to Begin in May
Canadian Coast Guard plans upgrades for Air Cushion Vehicle
A scheduled modernization of the Canadian Coast Guard CCGS Sipu Muin will see the Air Cushion Vehicle in dry-dock at Réparations Navales et Industrielles Océan in Quebec City for a six-month period beginning May 10, 2016.
This modernization, part of the Coast Guard’s work to ensure the vessel will reach its intended operational life, will cost an estimated $3.1 million and include hull repairs, modifications to the pilot house, upgrades to the electronic navigation suite as well as the replacement of the fuel bladders and skirting of the 19-year old vessel.
This 28.5 meter, 70 ton Air Cushion Vehicle was built in 1998. The Sipu Muin routinely conducts icebreaking and maintenance of navigational aids out of its homeport of Trois-Rivières. The name Sipu Muin is Mi’kmaq, meaning “river bear”.
“Maintenance and upgrades are what keep the entire Coast Guard fleet in top working condition. This maintenance work is crucial to ensure the Coast Guard fleet helps navigate billions of dollars in cargo through Canadian waters each year,” Said Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“This contract will support the renewal of the Canadian Coast Guard, ensuring it stays effective and well-equipped to do the job we ask it to do,” said Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada. “This work will also help to grow Canada’s economy by sustaining/creating approximately 25 jobs in Quebec City.”
