The Canadian Coast Guard has welcomed CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk to its fleet at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Built at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards, Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Naalak Nappaaluk becomes the largest science vessel in the Government of Canada’s fleet and will support science missions on Canada’s Atlantic coast. This offshore oceanographic science vessel will support ocean research, conduct critical missions, and improve understanding of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.
‘In a changing ocean environment, Canada is empowered by advanced technology and the expertise needed to monitor, understand, and respond to ocean challenges,’ said Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson.
‘The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk will enable critical research and science in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, strengthening our leadership in marine science for decades to come. This is an investment in healthier oceans and the communities that depend on them.’
This vessel was built under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), the Government of Canada’s commitment to renew its federal fleets while revitalising Canada’s marine industry.
Naalak Nappaaluk is expected to support the Government of Canada’s oceanographic science research for the next 30 years and beyond, as the Canadian Coast Guard’s primary east coast ocean science research vessel. It can accommodate up to 34 crew and 26 scientists and will be stationed at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
It features a large working deck capable of carrying a range of modular payloads to support its science missions, a large ocean sampling room, multiple laboratories, and cutting-edge technology to study and monitor ocean ecosystems. The vessel is equipped to support search and rescue missions and environmental response efforts, when needed.
CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is named after Nunavik elder Naalak Nappaaluk (1928-2010) who was known for his vast knowledge of animals, weather patterns, the sea and even the night sky. Nappaaluk was a skilled and respected community builder and harvester devoted to ensuring Inuit language, culture and knowledge of the natural world was preserved and passed on to future generations.
‘Inuit are the original scientists in Inuit Nunangat, our Arctic homeland, and Naalak Nappaaluk was one of them. Not only did he possess life-saving knowledge about the land, the sea, the weather and the night sky, he was committed to ensuring that knowledge was preserved for future generations,’ commented Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami president Natan Obed.
‘The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, and the researchers connected to her, will continue this tradition at a time when Inuit Nunangat is rapidly changing. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Canadian Coast Guard so that Inuit, and all Canadians, can better understand these changes.’
