Canada is building its most powerful icebreaker

by Liam Anderson

10/31/2026

Artist’s impression of the future Canadian polar icebreaker *CCGS Imnaryuaq* in Arctic pack ice. The 158-metre-long vessel is being built at the Seaspan shipyard in North Vancouver and is set to be deployed from the early 2030s for research, supply voyages and rescue operations in the Canadian High Arctic. (Illustration: PolarJournal)

Canada is strengthening its presence in the Arctic and investing in a new generation of high-performance icebreakers. On 14 October 2026, the keel for the CCGS Imnaryuaq was laid in North Vancouver. At 158 metres in length, it is set to become the largest and most powerful icebreaker ever built in Canada. The vessel is designed to operate even under extreme ice conditions and to support the Canadian Coast Guard in its wide range of tasks.

An important milestone was celebrated with a traditional ceremony at the Seaspan shipyard in North Vancouver. Representatives from the government, Indigenous communities and numerous shipyard employees attended the keel-laying ceremony. In keeping with an old shipbuilding tradition, two commemorative coins were attached to the keel to bring good luck to the vessel and its future crew.

Artist’s impression of the keel-laying of the Canadian polar icebreaker *CCGS Imnaryuaq* on 14 October 2026 at the Seaspan shipyard in North Vancouver. The symbolic placement of commemorative coins on the keel is intended to bring good luck to the vessel and its future crew. (Illustration: PolarJournal)

An icebreaker for extreme conditions

The CCGS Imnaryuaq will be 158 metres long, 28 metres wide and have a displacement of around 26,000 tonnes. With an installed power of 47 megawatts and Polar Class 2 ice classification, it is designed to break through even thick, multi-year sea ice. Accommodation for up to 100 people, scientific laboratories and a helipad with a hangar are planned on board.

In future, the vessel is expected to be able to venture further north and remain in ice-covered waters for longer than many of Canada’s previous icebreakers. Its tasks will include supplying remote Arctic communities, search and rescue operations, environmental protection and scientific expeditions. At the same time, it is intended to strengthen Canada’s capacity to operate in Arctic waters.

Satellite view of Vancouver with Burrard Inlet. Seaspan’s shipyard facilities in North Vancouver (marked in red) are located on the northern shore of the bay. This is where the new polar icebreaker *CCGS Imnaryuaq* is being built for the Canadian Coast Guard. (Image: Google Maps / satellite view)

Part of a comprehensive fleet programme

Construction began back in April 2025 with the first steel-cutting ceremony. Completion is scheduled for the early 2030s. The CCGS Imnaryuaq is part of a comprehensive modernisation programme for the Canadian Coast Guard. A second large polar icebreaker is to be built at the Chantier Davie shipyard in Québec.

The name Imnaryuaq comes from the Inuvialuit language and roughly translates as ‘big cliff’. It refers to a striking headland at the southern tip of Banks Island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.

With the new polar icebreakers, Canada aims to expand its capacity to maintain a year-round presence even in the most remote regions of the High Arctic and to carry out scientific and government tasks.

Liam Anderson, PolarJournal