Algoma Steel has signed an agreement to supply steel for six Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers with Seaspan Shipyards and Stigterstaal Canada to supply structural steel for the new fleet. Sault Ste. Marie-based Algoma and Stigterstaal Canada will be the primary steel plate supplier for up to six multi-purpose icebreakers for the Coast Guard. “The new agreement, valued at about $182 million, establishes the supply of up to 24,000 metric tonnes of Canadian-made structural steel — 4,000 metric tonnes of steel plate per vessel — to support Seaspan’s construction of the (icebreakers) under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy,” a Nov. 3 news release said. “This agreement is the result of strong collaboration between Seaspan, Algoma and Stigterstaal, building upon the companies’ strategic partnership established in 2025 to further strengthen Canada’s domestic steel and marine manufacturing industries.” Algoma, hard hit by 50 per cent tariffs imposed by the United States, is poised to be a major supplier of steel as Canada builds up its defence capabilities. “As part of the largest order of polar-class steel in the mill’s history — which includes Seaspan’s flagship heavy polar icebreaker, the future CCGS Imnaryuaq — Algoma will produce structural steel for the MPI program, one of the biggest shipbuilding initiatives ever undertaken for the Canadian Coast Guard with up to 16 vessels on Seaspan’s orderbook,” the release said. Icebreakers were designed in Canada “Leveraging Stigterstaal’s expertise in marine steel processing and distribution, and Algoma’s strong reputation for producing high-quality sustainable Canadian steel, the two companies are creating certainty and long-term value for Canada’s marine and defence industries.” The icebreakers were designed by Seaspan and will operate year-round in Canada’s Arctic and offshore environments. “Measuring approximately 100 metres in length with a displacement of nearly 9,000 tonnes, the ships will accommodate a crew of 50 personnel and feature advanced diesel-electric propulsion with Polar Class 4 icebreaking capability,” Seaspan said. “The vessels will provide the Canadian Coast Guard with enhanced icebreaking, search and rescue, environmental response and maritime sovereignty capabilities while supporting Canada’s presence in the North.” The vessels will all be built at Seaspan Shipyards in British Columbia. The agreement is part of a plan to develop the marine industry across Canada, boasting a supply chain that includes more than 880 Canadian companies, resulting in more than $3 billion in contracts. “Today is a landmark for Algoma Steel, as this contract marks the largest order for polar-class steel in Sault Ste. Marie,” Sault MP Terry Sheehan said in the release. “In recent months, Canadian steel has found more openings through Buy Canada policies, the National Shipbuilding Strategy, and the Defence Industrial Strategy. I expect more steel from the Sault to be used as we build Canada Strong.” “When Canadian shipbuilders choose Canadian steel, the impact reaches well beyond the shipyard,” said Algoma CEO Rajat Marwah said. “This is the largest order of polar-class steel in our mill’s history, and a proud moment for our team in Sault Ste. Marie and for Canadian steelmaking. We’re grateful to Seaspan and Stigterstaal for their trust and partnership on ships built to serve Canada’s North.”
