Press Release
Hawboldt Supporting Polar Max Icebreaker Program with Davie, Advancing Canada’s Arctic Sovereignty
Nova Scotia, Canada – [2026-09-14] – Hawboldt Industries, a leading provider of marine deck equipment for the commercial, defense, research, and offshore sectors, is proud to announce its contract award for the Polar Max Icebreaker being built at Davie for the Canadian Coast Guard. The project, valued over $15M CAD, represents a significant milestone for Hawboldt, being selected to provide a turn-key package of science mission equipment on an Icebreaker of this size.
Hawboldt’s mission critial equipment contribute to the vessel’s operational capability in some of the harshest and most demanding environments in the world. The project scope includes cutting edge Research Winches equipped with Permanent Magnet Motors and Active Heave Compensation, a MoonPool deployment system, Overboard and Shipboard Handling Systems and Cranes, Central Operator Controls, Hydraulic power units, and Electrical power cabinets.
The Polar Max Icebreaker is one of two new polar icebreakers being constructed for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). The vessel will support essential operations including icebreaking, emergency response, Arctic research, and the safe resupply of northern communities—while reinforcing Canada’s presence and sovereignty in the Arctic.
This project is incredibly important not only for our company, but for Canada as a whole,” said Dylan Wells, General Manager at Hawboldt Industries. “We are extremely proud to support Davie and the Canadian Coast Guard on a project that directly contributes to Arctic sovereignty, while showcasing cutting edge Canadian marine technology.”
Hawboldt’s involvement in the program will include engineering, project management, manufacturing, and testing activities based in Nova Scotia, supporting highly skilled jobs and contributing to the local and regional economy. The project highlights the critical role Canadian suppliers play within the NSS and reinforces the value of investing in domestic capabilities.
“At Davie, we are making a sustained effort to maximize Canadian content across the Polar Max Icebreaker program,” said Lindsey Kettel, President of Davie. “From engineering and manufacturing to mission-critical systems, Polar Max already reflects contributions from Canadian suppliers from coast to coast. We are pleased to work with Hawboldt Industries to create and sustain Canadian jobs in Nova Scotia, while ensuring Canadian-made equipment plays a critical role in protecting and strengthening Canada’s Arctic sovereignty for the future.” The Polar Max is expected to be delivered by 2030 and will be one of the most capable icebreakers in the Canadian Coast Guard fleet, with enhanced endurance, power, and advanced operational systems.
Download the official press release here: