Canada’s most modern research ship being built in North Vancouver
Posted March 29, 2021 10:04 am.
Last Updated March 29, 2021 10:05 am.
NORTH VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Work on Canada’s newest science research ship, described as a “floating laboratory,” has started in North Vancouver.
Seaspan Shipyards has announced it has cut the steel and started building the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV), part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
The OOSV will be part of oceanographic, fishery, geological and hydrographic survey missions. The goal is to learn more about the oceans, seabed, and impacts of climate change.
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The OOSV will have specialized equipment including advanced wet and dry labs, a scientific seawater system for studying oxygen levels, and a state-of-the-art drop keel and sensor suite for analyzing data on things like water current velocities and underwater acoustics.
The vessel adds to the fleet capability for the Coast Guard and will be a science platform for Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The crew will also be able to help with search and rescue operations and environmental response from the OOSV, if necessary.
The ship will be built over the next three years at Seaspan’s North Vancouver facility, alongside the first Joint Support Ship for the Royal Canadian Navy.
The OOSV will replace the CCGS Hudson, which has been in service since 1964. It was the country’s first ocean science vessel, and is the longest serving ship in the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. The CCGS Hudson is set to be retired in 2024.
