(Photo courtesy of Canadian Coast Guard)
On September 10, 2026, the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), along with Mr. Bruce Fanjoy, Member of Parliament for Carleton, on behalf of the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, officially welcomed Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Judy LaMarsh into its fleet, the first time an additional large vessel has joined the Great Lakes region in over thirty years. Based in Prescott, Ontario, the vessel will carry out icebreaking and buoy tending operations across the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River in Ontario and Quebec.
The CCG’s Great Lakes coverage extends along the Canada-United States border, from the St. Lawrence River to the western point of Lake Superior – approximately 2,400 kilometers. With most of Canada’s population living in the Great Lakes basin, it is a top priority for the CCG to keep these waters safe and open for all who use them.
The CCGS Judy LaMarsh was purchased in 2021 and underwent conversion and refit work at Newdock St. John’s Dockyard Limited, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, from 2023 to 2025, prior to joining the CCG fleet. This work included refurbishment of the vessel’s propulsion, communication, and navigation systems, as well as upgrades to workspaces and accommodation facilities, and the installation of a new buoy crane.
The vessel is named after the Honourable Judy LaMarsh, one of the first women to serve as a federal Cabinet Minister. She was instrumental in the development of innovative federal programs, including Medicare and the Canada Pension Plan. While serving as Canada’s Secretary of State (1965-1968), the Honourable Judy LaMarsh helped to establish the Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada. She was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1980.
This vessel was acquired under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada’s long-term plan to renew its federal maritime fleets, revitalize Canada’s marine industry, and create sustainable jobs to maximize economic benefits across the country.
Quotes
“The Great Lakes are vital to Canada’s economy, our communities and our security. With the CCGS Judy LaMarsh, we are strengthening the Canadian Coast Guard’s ability to keep these waters safe and open year-round. This vessel will give Coast Guard crews another important tool to deliver for Canadians across the region — from icebreaking and maintaining navigation routes to supporting safe and reliable maritime operations.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Judy LaMarsh is an important addition to our fleet. The capable and multipurpose vessel will provide a wide range of services and bolster our year-round, essential operations across one of the busiest maritime environments in Canada, safeguarding our waters and economy, and supporting our sovereignty.”
Kevin Brosseau, Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard
Quick Facts
The CCGS Judy LaMarsh was built in Romania in 2010, where it was registered in Turkmenistan as the Mangystau-2. The vessel operated as a commercial firefighting tug on the Caspian Sea. In November 2021, the CCG announced the purchase of the light icebreaker from New Brunswick-based Atlantic Towing Limited.
The CCGS Judy LaMarsh entered service in December 2025 and is the first large vessel to join the Great Lakes fleet in more than thirty years.
The CCGS Judy LaMarsh is the fourth interim icebreaker the CCG has purchased, in addition to the CCGS Jean Goodwill, the CCGS Vincent Massey, and the CCGS Captain Molly Kool. These vessels were acquired to supplement the CCG’s existing fleet during vessel life extension and repair periods.
The CCGS Judy LaMarsh is one of three large vessels on the Great Lakes, in addition to the CCGS Samuel Risley and CCGS Griffon, both of which also provide icebreaking services during the winter months.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
