Seaspan awards build contract to Elomatic for Polar Icebreaker program
Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards (Seaspan) has awarded a significant contract to Elomatic Consulting Inc. (Elomatic), an international consulting and engineering company, to provide engineering and design support services for the Canadian Coast Guard’s Polar Icebreaker build contract. As one of the primary partners throughout the functional and production design phases of the Polar project, this award further strengthens Elomatic’s ongoing partnership with Seaspan and reflects the company’s proven expertise in delivering complex heavy icebreaker vessel design solutions.
Under this contract, Elomatic will provide build design support, ensuring that the Polar Icebreaker is optimized for construction at Vancouver Shipyards and is fully equipped to meet the Canadian Coast Guard’s demanding Arctic mission requirements.
The Polar Icebreaker is being designed and built entirely in Canada under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). Measuring approximately 158 metres in length and 28 metres in beam, the vessel will feature more than 40 MW of installed power, specialized laboratories, a moon pool, a helicopter deck and hangar, and capacity for remotely piloted aircraft systems. Once complete, it will be one of the world’s most capable Polar Class 2 icebreakers, enabling year-round operations in the Arctic.
Since joining the project in 2021, Elomatic has significantly expanded its Vancouver office to support the evolving needs of the Polar Icebreaker program. The company has strengthened its local team by recruiting and developing Canadian talent, while also relocating experienced specialists from Europe, many of whom have committed to long-term assignments in Vancouver. This strategic growth ensures that the build phase is primarily supported by local experts, combining deep international expertise with a strong Canadian presence.
Elomatic has committed to achieving 100% Canadian Content Value (CCV) requirements through its expanding Canadian workforce of almost 40 employees, as well as investments with Canadian post-secondary institutions and small- and medium-sized businesses. These initiatives directly support Canada’s Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) Policy and contribute to the long-term growth of Canada’s shipbuilding industry.
Kate Morton, Vice President, Supply Chain Management, Seaspan Shipyards, said: “Elomatic’s expertise in marine and offshore engineering, combined with their deep experience in heavy icebreaker vessel design, makes them an invaluable partner as we progress into the build phase of this landmark project. Together, we are delivering a vessel that will serve Canada’s Arctic communities, strengthen sovereignty, and advance scientific research for generations to come.”
Rami Hirsimäki, Senior Vice President, Marine at Elomatic, said: “We are proud to support Seaspan and the Canadian Coast Guard on this historic program. Entering the build contract marks the final phase, and we’re excited to see our long-term design work become reality. In the spirit of the ICE Pact, we’re contributing our expertise to strengthen Canada’s shipbuilding capabilities while growing our own Canadian team, led by local talent and supported by European specialists. We’re committed to delivering the Polar Icebreaker and to continue our collaboration with Seaspan both in Canada and internationally.”
About Elomatic
Elomatic is an international consulting and engineering company that provides top-level expert services, products and turnkey solutions to process, machinery, marine, energy and pharmaceutical industries. We are focused on continuous improvement and sustainable development, and we are committed to design solutions that increase the wellbeing of people and the environment. Established in 1970, Elomatic employs over 1,300 professionals, and has customers in more than 80 countries across the globe.
www.elomatic.com
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.
www.seaspan.com
https://akerarctic.fi/arctic-passion/canadian-polar-icebreaker-project-advances/
“Under this contract, Elomatic will provide build design support, ensuring that the Polar Icebreaker is optimized for construction at Vancouver Shipyards and is fully equipped to meet the Canadian Coast Guard’s demanding Arctic mission requirements.”
Interesting timing, as SeaSpan has already cut steel on this vessel- it’s in production. Having in production engineering support is normal, but I can’t see what would trigger this now- and why it would be hailed as big news.
It’s strange that the press coverage in Finland mentions Elomatic’s ongoing support, but seems to neglect any mention of that other Finnish design firm Aker Arctic, which did significant design work for the same project.