The Canadian government is seeking information on the potential procurement of an existing light icebreaking vessel to fill interim requirements of the Canadian Coast Guard.

A request for information was issued on February 18 seeking input from the marine industry regarding the procurement.

The interim vessel would be used for icebreaking services for the St. Lawrence Seaway while other ships in the fleet undergo maintenance.

This vessel will complete the Canadian Coast Guard’s plan to add four interim icebreakers to its fleet.

Canada has purchased three interim medium icebreakers, which are being converted at Chantier Davie in Levis, Quebec. The first of the three medium icebreakers, the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Captain Molly Kool, was welcomed into the Canadian Coast Guard fleet on December 14, 2018.

“Our government is providing the women and men of the Canadian Coast Guard with the ships they need to carry out their important work,” Carla Qualtrough minister of public services and procurement and accessibility, commented. “This project is another example of how we are investing in Canada’s largest civilian fleet to meet short- and longer-term requirements.”

Industry has until April 16, 2019, to respond to the RFI.