Canadian Vickers Shipyards Ltd.
- Shipyards
Canadian Vickers Shipyards Ltd. was a prominent Canadian shipbuilding company based in Montreal, Quebec. It was a subsidiary of the British engineering conglomerate Vickers Limited. The company played a significant role in Canadian maritime history, particularly during the early to mid-20th century.
Here are some key points about Canadian Vickers Shipyards Ltd.:
History and Formation
- Founded: The company was established in 1911 when Vickers Limited set up operations in Canada to expand its global reach.
- Location: The shipyard was located in the east end of Montreal, an area that offered easy access to the St. Lawrence River, facilitating maritime operations.
Key Activities
- Shipbuilding: Canadian Vickers was primarily involved in constructing a wide range of vessels, including military ships, merchant ships, ferries, and icebreakers.
- Military Contributions: During World War I and World War II, the shipyard was heavily involved in building naval and merchant ships for the war effort. This included corvettes, minesweepers, and other vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy.
- Aircraft Manufacturing: The company also diversified into aircraft manufacturing in the early 20th century. It produced notable models such as the Vickers Vedette, a single-engine, Canadian-designed flying boat, and other aircraft suitable for Canada's vast and often remote territories.
Notable Projects
- Icebreakers: Canadian Vickers built some of Canada's most famous icebreakers, including the CCGS Pierre Radisson, which continues to be part of the Canadian Coast Guard fleet.
- Golden Age of Shipbuilding: The shipyard produced a considerable number of merchant ships, tankers, and other vessels during the peak years of Canadian shipbuilding from the 1920s to the 1960s.
Decline and Closure
- Post-War Era: After World War II, the demand for shipbuilding decreased significantly. Technological advancements and globalization also contributed to a changing industry landscape.
- Closure: Canadian Vickers Shipyards Ltd. struggled to adapt to these changes and eventually ceased operations in 1944. However, shipbuilding activities in the region persisted under different management and ownership for several decades.
Legacy
- Historical Impact: Canadian Vickers made substantial contributions to Canada's maritime and industrial heritage. The ships and aircraft built by the company had a lasting impact on the country's naval capabilities and aeronautics industry.
- Heritage Recognition: While the original shipyard is no longer in operation, its contributions are remembered and recognized in various maritime museums and historical records in Canada.
Canadian Vickers Shipyards Ltd. remains a notable chapter in Canadian industrial and maritime history, exemplifying the country's shipbuilding prowess during the first half of the 20th century.
Ships
LOUIS S. ST. LAURENT
Ice Breaker | Flag: Canada | Port: OTTAWA, ON
Maritime News

Vard, Inkfish Sign Shipbuilding Contract for New Research Vessel
Vard, the Norwegian subsidiary of the Group and one of the world's leading builders of specialized vessels, has signed a new contract with the US research organization Inkfish for the design and construction of an advanced research vessel. The deal is valued at over USD$233 million (€200 million).The custom-built research vessel, designated Project RV6000, is specifically designed for scientific exploration. It will join Inkfish's expanding fleet, alongside the RV Hydra and RV Dagon, to support global marine research. In close collaboration with host countries, the data collected will contribute to open-source repositories.

Six Crew Saved, 15 Remain Missing After Eternity C Cargo Ship Sinks in Red Sea
Rescuers pulled six crew members alive from the Red Sea after Houthi militants attacked and sank a second ship this week, while the fate of another 15 was unknown after the Iran-aligned group said they held some of the seafarers.The Houthis claimed responsibility for the assault that maritime officials say killed four of the 25 people aboard the Eternity C before the rest abandoned the cargo ship. Eternity C went down Wednesday morning after attacks on two previous days, sources at security companies involved in a rescue operation said.The six rescued seafarers spent more than 24 hours in the water, those firms said.

Four Dead, 15 Missing After Houthi Attack on the Eternity C
Rescuers pulled six crew members alive from the Red Sea on Wednesday and 15 were still missing from the second of two ships sunk in recent days in attacks claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi militia after months of calm.Four of the 25 people aboard the Eternity C cargo ship were killed before the rest of the crew abandoned the vessel, which sank on Wednesday morning after being attacked on Monday and Tuesday, sources at security companies involved in a rescue operation said.The six seafarers who were rescued had spent more than 24 hours in the water, they said.The Houthis said on Wednesday they had sunk the Eternity C.

IMO Secretary-General Urges “constructive dialogue” Following Red Sea Attacks
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called for intensified diplomatic efforts following a renewed wave of attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea.IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called for intensified diplomatic efforts following a renewed wave of attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea. Addressing the IMO Council in London, Dominguez expressed dismay over recent assaults on the Magic Seas and Eternity C, both targeted on 6 and 7 July. At least three fatalities and several injuries have been reported aboard the Eternity C, while all 22 crew members of the Magic Seas were safely rescued.

Red Sea: Four Dead, Two Wounded in Latest Houthi Attack on Greek Bulk Carrier
Four seafarers on the Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier Eternity C were killed in a drone and speedboat attack off Yemen, an official with knowledge of the issue said on Tuesday, the second incident in a day after months of calm.The Red Sea, which passes Yemen's coast, has long been a critical waterway for the world's oil and commodities but traffic has dropped since the Iran-aligned Houthi militia began targeting ships in November 2023 in what they said was solidarity with Palestinians against Israel in the Gaza war.