Babcock Canada to refurbish CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent coast guard ship

Quebec-based Babcock Canada has landed a $6.5m contract from the Government of Canada to refurbish the Canadian Coast Guard ship (CCGS) Louis S. St-Laurent.

The critical refit work, which is to be completed prior to the ship’s deployment in Arctic Ocean, will be carried out by Babcock Canada’s sub-contractor Chantier Davie Canada at Davie Shipyard in Lévis, Québec.

Canada Fisheries and Oceans minister Gail Shea said: "Through the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy we are revitalising Canada’s Coast Guard fleet so it can continue to keep our waterways safe and accessible while at the same time developing long-term economic opportunities for the Canadian shipbuilding industry."

Upgrade work includes regulatory maintenance to the propulsion systems, hull, auxiliary/domestic systems and the navigation and communications systems.

Upon completion of refurbishment works, the ship will be deployed to offer icebreaking and other services, such as scientific research and search and rescue support, in addition to delivering critical supplies to remote communities.

Canada Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Public Works and Government Services Bernard Trottier said: "Our Government is committed to ensuring that the Canadian Coast Guard has the equipment that they need to do the work we ask of them, while supporting Canadian jobs and economic growth."