Seaspan Launches Second Fisheries Science Vessel

Posted by Michelle Howard June 6, 2019

Photo: Seaspan

Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) hosted an event celebrating the launch of the second Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel (OFSV).

In addition to dignitaries from the Government of Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard (Coast Guard), the Government of British Columbia and Seaspan’s supplier network, hundreds of proud employees attended the event with their families.

The launch of OFSV 2 is the culmination of years of work by hundreds of dedicated Seaspan employees and supply chain partners from across Canada. As the second ship launched by Seaspan, it also marks a significant milestone in the rebirth and revitalization of the marine industrial sector on Canada’s West Coast. With funding from the Government of Canada for the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) Seaspan has significantly expanded its workforce, created a growing marine supply chain, and invested over $200M to upgrade its shipyard for the long term program of work ahead.

Designed and built by Seaspan, the 63m OFSV represents one of the most complex ships of its size and type to be built in Canada. Specifically designed to meet the mission needs of the Canadian Coast Guard and scientists, the vessel features a variety of innovative systems including high-tech fishing trawls, four laboratories and a deployable, sensor-equipped drop keel. This vessel will serve as a platform for Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists to monitor the health of fish stocks, better understand the impacts of climate change, and will support oceans research.

Through its NSS-related work, Seaspan has issued nearly $850M in contracts to approximately 570 Canadian companies, including nearly $380M contracts awarded to 425 BC-based companies. As the company continues to make progress on its NSS commitments, this supply chain will grow as more Canadian companies realize new opportunities with a revitalized shipbuilding industry. It is through its work on the NSS that Seaspan is directly and indirectly helping to employ thousands of Canadians from coast to coast.