ALMACO<\/a>, a proudly Canadian subsidiary of ALMACO Group, today announced it has signed an over 100M CAD Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract with Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (Davie), Canada\u2019s premier shipbuilder, for the outfitting of the Polar Max Icebreaker \u2013 a flagship project under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) and a cornerstone of the Canadian Coast Guard\u2019s (CCG) future fleet. The move supports Le Groupe ALMACO and Davie\u2019s shared vision of building local capabilities and fostering long-term industrial growth in the Canadian marine sector.<\/p>\nPolar Max: a Unique Project Executed Across Continents
\nThe execution plan for Polar Max is a truly international collaboration between Davie and ALMACO, spanning both Canada and Finland. The hull will be constructed at Davie-owned Helsinki Shipyard, with Le Groupe ALMACO delivering interior accommodation spaces and other essential areas during this stage. In parallel, in Qu\u00e9bec, Davie\u2019s skilled shipbuilders and Le Groupe ALMACO will lead the design, procurement, and fabrication of the 1,400-ton superstructure \u2013 the top part of the ship.<\/p>\n
This dual-build approach not only leverages expertise across two continents but also accelerates the project timeline by allowing major work to proceed simultaneously in both locations and guarantee the timely delivery of the ship to the Government of Canada. Once the hull is transported from Finland to Canada, the superstructure will be integrated at Davie\u2019s facility in L\u00e9vis, Qu\u00e9bec. This approach follows a proven process, successfully used for the delivery of Combat Support Ship (CSS) Asterix to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). Work on the superstructure begins in late summer, with final integration and vessel delivery to Canada by 2030.<\/p>\n
Expanding ALMACO Group\u2019s Presence in Qu\u00e9bec
\nTo support the Polar Max project and to create a long-term presence, ALMACO is expanding its operations in Canada. ALMACO set up operations in Qu\u00e9bec already in 2022 and will open a new Le Groupe ALMACO office in Qu\u00e9bec City in September 2025.<\/p>\n
Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s role in the Polar Max program further reinforces its position as a global shipbuilding hub, recognized for innovation, technical excellence, and a highly skilled workforce. In delivering the project, Davie and ALMACO intend to collaborate extensively with subcontractors across Qu\u00e9bec and Canada\u2019s broader shipbuilding industry, ensuring that expertise and economic benefits are shared nationwide. As part of this effort, ALMACO\u2019s role in the Polar Max will generate new jobs in Qu\u00e9bec, creating opportunities for local talent and driving long-term growth in the province\u2019s advanced marine sector.<\/p>\n
The company has launched a major recruitment program, combining the know-how of ALMACO\u2019s Europe-based employees with the skills of Canadian professionals. Le Groupe\u00a0 ALMACO is committed to employing local talent in all functions \u2013 from engineering and project management to manufacturing and other roles.<\/p>\n
A Shared Commitment to Canada\u2019s Maritime Future
\n\u201cWorking with Davie again is a proud moment for us,\u201d said Vilhelm Roberts, Executive Chairman of the Board and Co-owner of ALMACO Group. \u201cWe\u2019ve maintained a close relationship with their team ever since the Asterix Project, and this new contract confirms our shared ambition to deliver world-class vessels while growing local expertise and capacity. We\u2019re not just outfitting a ship\u2014we\u2019re helping to build the future of Canadian shipbuilding together.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPolar Max is a once-in-a-generation project that demands the very best from every partner involved, said Davie co-owner and CEO, James Davies. \u201cOur work with ALMACO on Asterix proved that when we combine their world-class expertise with Canadian ingenuity, we deliver faster, better and with greater impact. This is a lasting partnership which will not only help deliver Polar Max on time and to the highest standard \u2013 it will also create jobs and develop skills and industrial capability here in Canada.\u201d<\/p>\n
Davie is a key player in Canada\u2019s National Shipbuilding Strategy. ALMACO is honoured to support this important national initiative and looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Davie on Polar Max, and beyond.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is great news that ALMACO has chosen Qu\u00e9bec to expand its activities and partner with Davie on the Polar Max Icebreaker project. The National Shipbuilding Strategy continues to generate exciting opportunities for Canada\u2019s shipbuilding industry, creating high-value jobs and strengthening our economy while advancing shipbuilding expertise in Qu\u00e9bec and across the country,\u201d said the Honourable M\u00e9lanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Qu\u00e9bec Regions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Polar Max project is an excellent example of how Canadian industry and international partners can collaborate to deliver world-class capabilities while creating good-paying jobs here at home. With ALMACO expanding its footprint in Qu\u00e9bec, we can expect more skilled jobs, greater shipbuilding expertise, and a stronger, more resilient Canadian marine sector. As a key project under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Polar Max icebreaker will contribute to a more modern, capable Canadian Coast Guard fleet and secure long-term economic growth and shipbuilding capacity for our country,\u201d said the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, Canada.<\/p>\n
\u201cDavie\u2019s leadership in the Polar Max project is a powerful driver of economic growth for Qu\u00e9bec,\u201d said Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy. \u201cThe collaboration between Davie and the ALMACO Group will generate business opportunities in both jurisdictions\u2019 naval sectors. It will also consolidate Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s position as a shipbuilding hub, while recognizing the strategic importance placed on the Arctic in the 21st century.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Trusted Partnership Renewed
\nThe Polar Max project represents a significant milestone in the long-standing collaboration between Davie and ALMACO Group. Their previous partnership to deliver the CSS Asterix to the Royal Canadian Navy in 2017 created lasting impact on the Canadian and international maritime industries. The Polar Max contract highlights the trust and shared commitment to delivering top-tier marine outfitting and advancing shipbuilding excellence in Canada.<\/p>\n
Introducing Mobile Cabin Factory for Modular Cabins
\nA local \u201ccabin factory\u201d will be established in Qu\u00e9bec. This facility, a first of its kind in Canada, will allow Le Groupe ALMACO to produce pre-fabricated modular cabins on site, significantly improving project logistics, efficiency, and quality assurance. The move supports Le Groupe ALMACO and Davie\u2019s shared vision of building local capabilities and fostering long-term industrial growth in the Canadian marine sector.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/BR><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Le Groupe ALMACO to Outfit Canadian Coast Guard\u2019s Polar Max Icebreaker [By: ALMACO] Le Groupe ALMACO, a proudly Canadian subsidiary of ALMACO Group, today announced it has signed an over 100M CAD Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract with Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (Davie), Canada\u2019s premier shipbuilder, for the outfitting of the Polar Max Icebreaker […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[59],"class_list":["post-15576","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-maritime-executive","tag-maritime-executive"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15576"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15576"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15576\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15576"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=15576"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=15576"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}