The Honourable Gail Shea, Canadian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, has announced the award of a contract totaling $5 million to Zodiac Hurricane Technologies Inc., to build 25 Model 753 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG).
The new 753 RHIBs are required as part of the life saving craft on larger vessels in the CCG fleet. These small, high-speed rescue boats perform well in shallow waters and in difficult weather conditions, making them ideal for near-shore search and rescue missions. They will replace existing craft nearing the end of their life expectancy. The boats will be used on ships in each of Canada’s oceans, benefiting Canadians across the country.
EAP contracts to build the remainder of the 60 small crafts will be awarded over the next two years for the Canadian Coast Guard, Fisheries Management and Science.
Federal departments are consulting with Canada’s shipbuilding companies to develop a long-term sustainable shipbuilding strategy that will benefit Canadians and their marine industry, while giving the Canadian Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard the modern vessels they need to operate in the 21st century.
“Our Government recognises the marine industry as a key economic driver in communities from Vancouver Island to St. John’s,” said Minister Shea. “Building these small craft in Canada demonstrates our Government’s commitment to providing the Coast Guard with the vessels it needs to maintain the security of our coasts and waterways.”
