The Canadian Coast Guard’s MPI Icebreaker program is moving into a new phase. Following the June 19 Functional Design Review Meeting for the first flight of six units, Seaspan initiated the development of production drawings, ensuring that future construction remains on schedule and on budget.
MPI icebreaker design and capabilities
The functional design of the icebreaker MPI was consolidated with a detailed 3D model of the ship and its systems. This mature and adaptable platform allows adjustments according to the mission profile. The first flight will replace the High Endurance and Medium Endurance Multi-Task Vessels, modernizing capabilities for coastal and Arctic operations.
Likewise, the MPI is a class 4 polar icebreaker with a displacement of over 8,500 tons, 99.9 meters in length and 20.3 meters in beam. It is designed for a crew of up to 50 people and has the capacity to continuously break through one meter of ice.
These vessels will be able to perform search and rescue missionsThese vessels will be able to perform search and rescue missions, environmental response and maintenance of the maritime navigation system that integrates nearly 17,000 aids to navigation in Canada.
Seaspan secures production and employment
Planned operations are year-round on the east and west coasts within Canada’s EEZ, as well as in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. Seasonal operations are also contemplated in the western and low Arctic.
Engineering progress keeps the program on pace and on budget, creating certainty in the Canadian shipbuilding supply chain and sustained opportunities for skilled employment. Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan has contributed significantly to Canada’s GDP and the maintenance of thousands of jobs annually.
As the leading icebreaker shipyard in North America, Seaspan has assembled the largest and most capable ship design and engineering team in Canada… we are excited to begin building this long series of vessels.
John McCarthy, chief executive officer of Seaspan Shipyards, said.
Seaspan’s engineering team will transform the functional design into manufacturing, integration and test packages. The modular approach will meet first flight schedules and facilitate variations in the three planned flights to a total of 16 spacecraft.
Source and photo: Seaspan
