Moderator: Laurie Balan  

Canada’s Arctic and Northern maritime operating environment is changing - bringing new expectations for year-round access, mission readiness, and resilient marine services. This panel explore what those shifts mean for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG): from operational requirements to the capabilities required in future fleets, and the engineering and shipbuilding realities of delivering complex, ice-capable vessels on time and at scale.

With increased demand for modern icebreakers, multi-task vessels and the systems that support safe operations in remote regions, the discussion will examine how vessel needs are being translated into practical designs, build strategies, and workforce plans. Panelists will share how Canadian shipyards are advancing hull forms, ice‑capability engineering, and production methods to improve delivery certainty, while strengthening partnerships across the supply chain.

The conversation will also consider how evolving federal procurement and industrial frameworks - including the Defence Industrial Strategy - could positively influence domestic capacity, delivery timelines and long-term support for CCG operations and fleets as Canada tries to achieve its goals under the ‘Our North, Strong and Free’ objectives.

Moderated by Genoa Design, the panel brings together leaders from Seaspan Shipyards, Chantier Davie, and the Canadian Coast Guard to share operator and industry perspectives on mission profiles, performance requirements, and lessons learned from building and sustaining vessels for the world’s harshest operating conditions.