Press Release: Seaspan signs MoU with Ontario-based Stigterstaal Canada & Algoma Steel

Signed Memorandum of Understanding prioritizes Canadian-produced steel, boosting domestic industry through Seaspan’s heavy polar icebreaker

July 15, 2025 — North Vancouver, B.C. — Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards (Seaspan) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Stigterstaal Canada and Algoma Steel Inc. to explore a strategic partnership aimed at reestablishing a domestic steel supply chain focused on bolstering and expanding shipbuilding in Canada.

The memorandum provides a framework for the three companies to assess the feasibility of Algoma Steel supplying Class and non-Class steel to Seaspan through Stigterstaal, who will act as a commercial and logistical subcontractor. All parties will engage in discussions to evaluate technical, commercial and logistical requirements for Seaspan’s first-in-class icebreaker build. The collaboration also seeks to strengthen Canadian industrial capabilities and support the long-term sustainability of the national shipbuilding sector.

In April, Seaspan began construction on the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) new heavy polar icebreaker. This will be the only heavy Polar Icebreaker to be fully built in Canada and, once delivered, will be the largest and most capable ship in the CCG’s fleet. The ship will be used for scientific expeditions, search and rescue missions, and protecting Canada’s Arctic sovereignty. Capable of breaking 2.5 metres of ice continuously, the ship will be used for year-round operations in the Arctic. The heavy icebreaker is the seventh vessel designed and built by Seaspan under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).

The MoU aligns with Seaspan’s broader efforts to increase the use of Canadian-made materials in shipbuilding under the NSS and foster collaboration across the country’s industrial base. Through the NSS, Seaspan is delivering tangible industrial and regional benefits to the marine industry across Canada. Seaspan’s NSS supply chain now includes more than 800 Canadian companies resulting in more than $3 billion in contracts.

Quotes

“This signed Memorandum of Understanding paves the way for Seaspan, Stigterstaal and Algoma to build on our shared goals of mutual economic benefits to our nation. Seaspan is committed to partnering with Algoma and Stigterstaal for future shipbuilding initiatives, ensuring that knowledge from other shipbuilding and icebreaking jurisdictions is developed in Canada.”

— Kate Morton, Vice President, Supply Chain Management, Seaspan

“At Stigterstaal Canada, we are extremely proud to be part of rebuilding the Canadian shipbuilding industry alongside partners like Algoma. Over the past few years, a significant upgrade has taken place at the mill in Sault Ste. Marie, transforming it into one of the most modern heavy plate mills in the Western Hemisphere. Together with Seaspan, we are committed to maximizing the use of Canadian steel in their future projects. In close collaboration with Algoma, we are taking the necessary steps to make this a reality.”

— Ronald de Groot, CEO, Stigterstaal Canada

“Algoma Steel is proud to support Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and serve as a strategic supplier to the country’s infrastructure and defense sectors. With the completion of our plate mill modernization and the ongoing transformation to Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking, we are well positioned to deliver high-quality, made-in-Canada steel for critical national projects. This collaboration underscores our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers and advancing Canadian industry through reliable, domestically produced steel.”

— Christopher Ford, Chief Commercial Officer, Algoma Steel, Inc.

About Seaspan

Seaspan is a leader in Canada’s ship design, engineering, building and ship repair industry. With modern facilities and a dedicated workforce of about 4,300 people in North Vancouver and Victoria, the company has proven itself to be a trusted and strategic partner on a range of complex projects for both government and the private sector.

About Stigterstaal

Stigterstaal is a global supplier of high-quality steel products, servicing the maritime and offshore industries with a strong focus on customer service and supply chain efficiency. Stigterstaal has committed to meeting 100% Canadian Content on Seaspan’s NSS programs through both direct and indirect investments to support Canada’s Industrial & Regional Benefits (IRB) policies.

About Algoma Steel Inc.

Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Algoma Steel is a fully integrated Canadian producer of hot and cold rolled steel sheet and plate, serving key sectors such as automotive, construction, energy, defense, and manufacturing. As Canada’s only discrete plate producer and home to one of North America’s lowest-cost hot rolled coil facilities, Algoma is advancing its transition to Electric Arc Furnace technology to deliver lower-emission, made-in-Canada steel. With a legacy of steelmaking and a focus on sustainability, Algoma is helping build better lives and a greener future.

Noah Note: I know a lot of people at Algoma, and theyre wonderful. These minds of partnerships are very improtant for building up the shipbuilding supply chain.

While it's far from flashy, being able to produce the specialty materials, like specific types of Steel, is importsnt to creating resilience and ensuring qe can undertake construction of our own vessels with put being reliant on a foreign supply.

This was bound to happen, dont get me wrong. This was always part of the plan to source from Caandian suppliers if possible but as we enter the construction phase of a lot of projects it's always good to see these kinds of things come out.

If not now, then when?