The Polar Max will support the Canadian Coast Guard in maintaining a year-round presence in the Arctic. Its missions will include sovereignty operations, scientific research, environmental protection, and resupply efforts in remote northern regions.
Construction is now underway with support from Davie’s expanding workforce in Québec and across Canada. The project is expected to generate more than a thousand high-value jobs, including hundreds of skilled positions at the Lévis shipyard.
A wide network of Canadian suppliers is already contributing to the program, spanning multiple provinces. Companies involved include Algoma Steel in Ontario, Hawboldt Industries in Nova Scotia, Échafauds Plus in Québec, and Gregg’s Marine Interiors in British Columbia, alongside numerous technical and logistics partners.
Davie has committed more than $200 million in investments into Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses. This approach aligns with Canada’s 2026 Defence Industrial Strategy, aimed at strengthening domestic industrial capacity and competitiveness.
The project, awarded in March 2025 under a fixed-price contract, is progressing through collaboration between Davie, Helsinki Shipyard, and the Canadian Coast Guard. A dual-build approach will allow construction to proceed simultaneously in Canada and Finland, accelerating delivery while maximizing domestic industrial participation.
The partnership also includes knowledge exchange between Canadian and Finnish workers, with more than fifty employees rotating between the two countries. This collaboration is intended to strengthen long-term shipbuilding expertise and support future programs.
James Davies, Chief Executive Officer of Davie, said the start of construction reflects strong international cooperation. “Starting construction of Polar Max in Lévis marks an important new phase in a project that is already moving at an exceptional pace. Polar Max shows what can be achieved when trusted allies work together to deliver strategically vital projects when they are needed most. We are proud that work is now moving forward in Canada, where this program will strengthen long-term shipbuilding capacity while helping deliver this ship on time and on budget.”
Alex Vicefield, Chairman and CEO of Inocea, described the project as a driver of industrial growth. “The Polar Max is more than a ship; it is a catalyst for rebuilding strategic shipbuilding capacity in Canada and across the Western world. With work now advancing in Lévis, this program is demonstrating how industrial collaboration between trusted allies can accelerate delivery, strengthen sovereign capability, and create lasting economic and strategic value.”
Lindsey Kettel, President of Davie, emphasized the role of the workforce. “The launch of construction of Polar Max in Lévis signals a new era for Davie, driven by the strength and capability of our workforce. Our employees are at the heart of this achievement. Their expertise and commitment are what makes projects of this scale and significance possible. Polar Max offers our teams the opportunity to build a ship of national importance while creating sustained, high value employment and long term careers in Canadian shipbuilding.”
Canadian officials said the project reflects broader industrial and defense priorities. “Today’s milestone in Québec marks a major step forward for Canada’s shipbuilding industry and our maritime future. The start of the construction on the Polar Max demonstrates what can be achieved through strong collaboration between government and industry. This project will create good jobs here in Québec while equipping the Canadian Coast Guard with the capabilities it needs to operate year-round in the Arctic,” said Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.
Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, highlighted the economic and strategic impact. “Today’s milestone at Chantier Davie is a reminder of what Canada does best: building world-class ships and creating meaningful, long-term careers for Canadians. As work advances on the Polar Max Icebreaker, we’re strengthening Canada’s leadership in Arctic capability, supporting our defence priorities, and driving economic growth at home. This project is creating high-quality jobs for Canadians, expanding opportunities for our marine industry in Quebec and across the country, and it’s building a stronger, more competitive shipbuilding industry.”
Samuel Poulin, Member of Parliament for Beauce-Sud and Minister Delegate for the Economy and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, said the project reflects regional strength. “The Government of Quebec is proud to have supported Davie in becoming a strategic partner in the NSS. The launch of construction work in Lévis is a great source of pride and a strong sign of Québec’s economic strength, made possible by outstanding work of Lévis MNA Bernard Drainville. This project highlights the expertise of our workers and the strength of our industrial know-how. It will generate significant economic benefits for the region while inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing.”
Steven Blaney, Mayor of Lévis, said the project will benefit the local community. “The launch of the construction activities in Lévis is tremendous news for the city. The Polar Max will bring sustained economic activity, high-quality jobs, and long-term opportunities for our community. Lévis is proud to play a leading role in building a vessel that will serve Canada and showcase our expertise on the world stage.”
Kevin Brosseau, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, said the vessel will strengthen Arctic operations. “It’s a pivotal moment for the Coast Guard as we modernize our fleet and strengthen our partnership with National Defence to protect Canada’s Arctic and uphold our sovereignty. Today’s milestone marks real progress on building the Polar Max Icebreaker—an essential asset that will support icebreaking operations, ship escorts, and safe navigation in Canada’s North.”
