Canada issues RFP to lease emergency towing vessels

The following is a news release from the Canadian Coast Guard:

(OTTAWA) — The government of Canada launched the Oceans Protection Plan in 2016 to improve marine safety and responsible shipping, protect Canada's marine environment, and offer new possibilities for Indigenous and coastal communities.

As part of the continued implementation of the Oceans Protection Plan, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard, today issued a request for proposal (RFP) to solicit bids for the lease of two vessels capable of towing large commercial ships, including tankers and containerships, to respond to vessels in distress off the coast of British Columbia.

These two vessels will augment the Canadian Coast Guard’s existing emergency response capability on the West Coast.

The content of the RFP and the procurement strategy for these vessels is the result of engagement with industry.

“Under the Oceans Protection Plan, our government is putting in place concrete measures to better prevent and respond to marine pollution incidents. This includes providing new resources to strengthen the Canadian Coast Guard which will help ensure a more rapid and efficient response in case of an incident, " said Terry Beech, parliamentary secretary to the minister of fisheries, oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

The two vessels will be stationed off the coast of British Columbia. They will be leased by the Canadian Coast Guard and operated by crews trained in Canadian Coast Guard emergency response and search and rescue procedures. 

These vessels will give the Coast Guard the ability to tow large disabled ships – either keeping them in place or moving them to a controlled area – to reduce the risk of a collision or grounding. 

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By Professional Mariner Staff