Seaspan signs cooperation agreement with Stigterstaal Canada and Algoma Steel for Canadian steel

Under the MoU, Stigterstaal Canada will act as a commercial and logistics subcontractor to facilitate the procurement of grade and non-grade steel from Algoma Steel for Seaspan's upcoming heavy polar icebreaker project. The agreement involves a joint assessment of the technical, commercial and logistical requirements for the construction of the icebreaker vessel.

The collaboration is part of Seaspan's commitment to prioritize Canadian-made materials and support the country's industrial capacity in line with the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). In April 2025, the company began construction of the Canadian Coast Guard's new heavy polar icebreaker. This vessel is the first of its kind to be built entirely in Canada. Developed for year-round Arctic operations, the ship will be capable of breaking 2.5-meter-thick ice and will be used for missions such as scientific research, search and rescue and the protection of northern sovereignty.

This project, Seaspan's seventh vessel under the NSS, now has a supply chain of more than 800 Canadian suppliers and a contract volume in excess of CAD 3 billion.

Commenting on the agreement, Kate Morton, Vice President of Supply Chain Management at Seaspan, stated:
"This Memorandum of Understanding allows Seaspan, Stigterstaal and Algoma to move forward with the goal of bringing mutual economic benefit to our country. Seaspan is committed to collaborating with Algoma and Stigterstaal on future shipbuilding initiatives and to advance the knowledge of icebreaker shipbuilding in Canada."

Ronald de Groot, CEO of Stigterstaal Canada, stated: "Over the last few years, we have seen a significant modernization of our plant in Sault Ste. Marie plant over the last few years, transforming it into one of the most advanced heavy plate plants in the Western Hemisphere. Together with Seaspan, we are committed to maximizing the use of Canadian steel in future projects. In close collaboration with Algoma, we are taking the necessary steps to make this happen."

Christopher Ford, Chief Commercial Officer of Algoma Steel Inc. stated:
"With the completion of the modernization of our sheet rolling mill and our transition to an electric arc furnace, we are ready to supply high-quality, Canadian-origin steel for critical national projects. “This partnership reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers and supporting Canadian industry with domestic production.”