Martech Polar

Thought great news for the women and men of the Canadian Coast, seeing an announcement on buildings two Polar icebreakers comes with mixed feelings. Originally announced to be delivered by 2017, the first of this class of now two will not be seen until 2030. Splitting construction with one ship to Seaspan and one to Davie will ensure highest cost possible rather than attempt any economy of scale, will require learning curves in TWO shipyards that are unlikely to collaborate given their rivalry in the past. Will the design from the original project be updated? We must hope so as massive technological changes in icebreaker design have occurred since then.

We can’t say we didn’t see this coming.

Sadly this report perpetuates the misconception that traffic THROUGH the NWP is routine & increasing. It is NOT routine & increases are predominantly due to resource export Sadly this report perpetuates misconception that traffic THROUGH the NWP is routine & increasing. It is NOT routine & increases are predominantly due to resource export destination from Milne Inlet. Vessel transits are NOT routine.