October 29, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard
Today, the Canadian Coast Guard announced the official start of construction of its Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel at Chantier Naval Forillon in Gaspe, Quebec, and celebrated the completion of Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Baie de Gaspe, the 10th and final new search and rescue lifeboat built by the shipyard.
The Canadian Coast Guard plays a vital role in keeping our waters safe and supporting ocean science. To continue providing vital support to Canadians, the Government of Canada is investing in the renewal of the Canadian Coast Guard fleet.
The Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel is the Canadian Coast Guard's first-ever electric hybrid vessel and represents a significant step towards building an eco-friendlier fleet. The new vessel will emit fewer greenhouse gas emissions, representing the Canadian Coast Guard's ongoing commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and environmental footprint. The vessel is designed to operate on a fuel blend including up to 20% biodiesel.
The completion of the CCGS Baie de Gaspe marks an important milestone under the National Shipbuilding Strategy as it is the 20th and final vessel in the Bay Class lifeboat series built by Chantier Naval Forillon and Hike Metal Products & Shipbuilding Ltd. These new search and rescue lifeboats will contribute to keeping our waters safe for mariners and supporting environmental response operations to reduce the impacts of marine pollution in our waters.
The National Shipbuilding Strategy is a long-term, multi-billion-dollar program aimed at renewing the fleets of the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Navy to provide Canada's maritime agencies with the modern ships they need to fulfill their missions, while revitalizing Canada's marine industry, creating middle-class jobs and maximizing economic benefits across the country.
