Heddle to upgrade Canadian Coast Guard’s Cygnus vessel

The Government of Canada has awarded a $3m contract to Heddle Marine Service Newfoundland to upgrade the Canadian Coast Guard’s CCGS Cygnus vessel.

Awarded as part of $360m Canadian Government’s investment to extend the life of the Coast Guard fleet revealed in February 2013, work under the second phase of vessel life extension (VLE) is scheduled to begin this month and be completed by January 2015.

Under the contract, Heddle will upgrade fitted equipment and systems including the propulsion control and steering systems to enhance the operation and reliability of the vessel.

To be carried out at the Coast Guard base in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, work also involves installation of a performance monitoring system to offer real time accounting of fuel consumption.

Canada Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea said: "Our Government has made unprecedented investments in the Canadian Coast Guard to enable the men and women of the Coast Guard to continue their important work.

"This investment is yet another example of our commitment to ensuring the safety of recreational boaters, sailors and fishermen in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"As a result of this work, the CCGS Cygnus is expected to remain in service until 2022."

Furthermore, Canada plans to extend the service period of 16 Coast Guard vessels as well as carry out mid-life upgrades on two hovercrafts.

In addition, the fleet renewal programme enables the Coast Guard to procure about 20 new vessels for its fleet.

---

Image: Work under the contract will mainly be aimed at enhancing the operation and reliability of CCGS Cygnus. Photo: courtesy of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.