The Canadian Coast Guard has launched its flagship offshore oceanographic science vessel.
Advanced scientific capabilities
The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is a floating laboratory. As the Canadian Coast Guard’s largest dedicated science vessel, it will provide increased capability and capacity to support ocean science missions on Canada’s east coast. It will accommodate up to 34 crew and 26 Fisheries and Oceans Canada scientists and will be stationed at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk has a deck that can swap out different equipment modules based on mission requirements, a marine mammal observation station, an ocean sampling room, and equipment for collecting and analyzing information to better understand ocean ecosystems.
The vessel also has a general-purpose lab, an acoustics lab, a computer lab, a chemical lab, a seawater sampling area and a salinity lab. Key features of the offshore oceanographic science vessel include an oceanographic winch; a conductivity, temperature, depth (CTD) and hydro wire launch and recovery system (LARS); coring LARS; a stern A-frame; main and secondary cranes; towing booms; seismic compressors; drop keel and sonars/sensors; and a modular working deck.
With this technology, the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is intended to support the continued delivery of critical oceanographic science, which will help the government of Canada tackle the most pressing ocean issues, such as climate change. The data and samples collected on board this vessel will also support Canada’s domestic and international commitments to ensure that oceans are sustainably managed.
The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is a key deliverable for the Canadian Coast Guard under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, which is creating sustainable jobs in Canada’s shipbuilding industry and marine sector. Contracts under the National Shipbuilding Strategy are estimated to have contributed approximately C$30bn (US$22bn) to Canada’s GDP and created or maintained over 20,400 jobs annually between 2012 and 2024.
Canada’s ocean research goals
The Honorable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, said, “Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are revitalizing the shipbuilding industry, creating good jobs and building new ships to support the Canadian Coast Guard in delivering on its mandate. The launch of the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk marks an important milestone for the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet. As Canada’s largest science vessel, it will support scientific research and missions for decades to come. We thank Inuit Tapiirit Kanatami and the Nappaaluk family for bestowing the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk with its name, and are honored to continue his legacy of environmental conservation on this new vessel.”
Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, commented, “Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami is proud to have participated in the naming of a Canadian Coast Guard research vessel for the first time. It is especially fitting that Inuit Treaty Organizations chose the name of an Inuk elder who, over his lifetime, imparted so much knowledge to Inuit and Canadians. We are grateful to the family of Naalak Nappaaluk for permitting this state-of-the-art science vessel to carry his name. We hope to see the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk facilitate Inuit self-determination in research, with the long-term goal of better understanding and protecting the valuable marine resources that sustain us.”
The Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, added, “Today’s launch of the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk underscores Canada’s commitment to equipping the Canadian Coast Guard with the modern ships it needs to do its important scientific research and missions. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, procurement of Canadian-built vessels not only bolsters our maritime capabilities but also generates high-value jobs across our marine sector and supply chain. We are honored to continue the legacy of Mr Nappaaluk, a respected Inuk Elder from Kangiqsujuaq, Nunavik, with the naming of this state-of-the-art science vessel.”
John McCarthy, CEO of Seaspan Shipyards, said, “The launch of Canada’s largest and most modern science vessel is a historic day for our country and the crucial work underway to support ocean research. Seaspan is delivering on the promise of the National Shipbuilding Strategy – ships built in Canada by Canadians for Canada. I am so proud of the innovation and dedication that went into building this important ship that will help deepen our understanding of the oceans that Canadians depend on for food, our livelihoods and the health of our country.”
Mario Pelletier, commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, concluded, “With the launch of the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, we’re one step closer to welcoming this modern offshore oceanographic science vessel into our fleet. I know our Canadian Coast Guard personnel look forward to serving aboard the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, supporting vital science research and continuing to serve Canadians proudly.”
In related news, three observing networks recently joined the Global Ocean Observing System. Click here to read the full story.