Canadian Coast Guard Concludes 2024 Arctic Operations
The Canadian Coast Guard has concluded its 2024 Arctic operational season. During this period, the Coast Guard conducted 39 commercial escorts and 49 helicopter-based ice reconnaissance missions. The Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre in Iqaluit closed on December 10, 2024, and will reopen in May 2025. Until then, the Northern Canada Vessel Traffic Services Zone Regulations will be managed by the centre in Les Escoumins, Quebec.
On August 17, 2024, a new offshore oceanographic science vessel, the future CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, was launched at Vancouver Shipyards. The vessel is expected to be delivered to the Coast Guard in the summer of 2025 after completing sea trials. Additionally, on August 19, 2024, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard announced an Arctic Strategy to guide operations and service delivery in the Arctic over the next decade.