Algoma, Stigterstaal Win Icebreaker Steel Deal
Seaspan Shipyards has awarded the primary steel plate supply contract for up to six Canadian Coast Guard multi-purpose icebreakers to Algoma Steel and Stigterstaal Canada.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Seaspan Shipyards has awarded Algoma Steel and Stigterstaal Canada the primary steel plate supply contract for up to six Canadian Coast Guard multi-purpose icebreakers. The agreement is valued at about $182 million and establishes supply of up to 24,000 metric tonnes of Canadian-made structural steel.
Why it matters
The agreement is intended to strengthen Canada's domestic steel and marine manufacturing industries and supports the country's sovereign shipbuilding and Arctic security objectives. It builds on a strategic partnership between Seaspan, Algoma and Stigterstaal established in 2025.
The agreement is valued at about $182 million and covers up to 24,000 metric tonnes of structural steel, or 4,000 metric tonnes of plate per vessel. The extraction does not specify delivery timing for the steel.
The players
Seaspan Shipyards
Seaspan Shipyards is a British Columbia shipbuilder that will build the multi-purpose icebreakers and awarded the steel supply contract.
Algoma Steel
Algoma Steel is a Canadian steelmaker operating a mill in Sault Ste. Marie that will produce the structural steel for the icebreaker program.
Stigterstaal Canada
Stigterstaal Canada is a marine steel processing and distribution company contributing expertise to the supply arrangement.
The details
Algoma Steel will produce the structural steel for the multi-purpose icebreaker program as part of its largest order of polar-class steel in the mill's history. Stigterstaal contributes marine steel processing and distribution expertise to the supply arrangement.
Timeline
2025: Strategic partnership between Seaspan, Algoma and Stigterstaal established.
November 3, 2026: Seaspan announces the steel supply agreement award to Algoma and Stigterstaal.
Market Landscape
The agreement advances Canada's sovereign shipbuilding program for Coast Guard icebreakers by tying the steel supply to domestic producers. It extends a supply chain of more than 880 Canadian companies with more than $3 billion in NSS contracts.
The contract keeps steel production for the icebreaker program within Canada, which may shape domestic jobs at Algoma's Sault Ste. Marie mill and at Stigterstaal. The extraction does not describe any direct effect on consumer prices or availability.
The takeaway
Domestic steel sourcing is becoming a central part of Canada's Arctic and shipbuilding plans. The partnership shows how government procurement can tie national security goals to local manufacturing capacity.
Further reading
For broader context on domestic factory output and supply chains, explore more Manufacturing coverage.
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