The Canadian Coast Guard’s aging fleet is becoming increasingly costly to maintain, with a third of its vessels nearing the end of their service life, according to an internal report.
Blacklock's Reporter says the Coast Guard spent $320.5 million on maintenance last year as rising costs, delays, and obsolescence hampered its operations.
“The Canadian Coast Guard fleet is aging as vessels approach and exceed their intended end of service life,” stated the report, Evaluation Of Fleet Procurement And Maintenance.
“Across the fleet, 30% of vessels have less than five years left until they reach their end of service life.”
The report detailed that 27% of vessels have already surpassed their intended lifespan by up to 14 years, with another 6% extended by as much as 36 years. On average, the Coast Guard fleet has reached 82% of its intended service life.
The aging ships have caused significant challenges, including delays in search and rescue missions, gaps in icebreaking services, and issues with marine security. Frequent emergency repairs forced the Coast Guard to cancel between 7% and 12% of planned fleet operations last year.
“Increasing costs for parts and equipment” were cited as a growing burden, alongside difficulties in hiring and retaining qualified staff.
“The Coast Guard is facing challenges recruiting and retaining qualified personnel due to a lack of qualified candidates on the market with certifications in relevant specialties,” the report noted.
Competition with industry and other government departments has further complicated staffing efforts.
Despite these challenges, Defence Minister Bill Blair has included Coast Guard maintenance costs in Canada’s efforts to meet its NATO defense spending commitments.
The federal government has pledged to allocate 2% of GDP to defense by 2032, though detailed spending plans remain undisclosed under cabinet confidence.
“Work is currently underway within National Defence in collaboration with other government departments and central agencies to detail the spending projections,” Deputy Defence Minister Stefanie Beck wrote to the Parliamentary Budget Office.
However, she added, “This information remains under cabinet confidence and is expected to take some time to finalize.”
The Coast Guard’s report underscores the urgent need for fleet renewal to address mounting operational risks and escalating costs.
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