Damen Shipyards Group has signed a contract with the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation for the delivery of a Stan Tug 1706 ICE, a purpose-built ice-breaking tug designed to extend the community’s critical ferry service during winter months. The vessel will enable safer, more reliable year-round ferry service for Georgina Island in Lake Simcoe, Ontario.
The acquisition of the Stan Tug 1706 ICE represents a vital improvement in community mobility and supply logistics. The remoteness of the Lake Simcoe region, and the harsh winter conditions it experiences, make safe, reliable transportation essential.
With its ice breaking capabilities, the tug will ensure wider operability of the community’s ferry service between Georgina Island and Virginia Beach on the mainland.
Following construction of the hull in Poland, Damen will outfit the vessel in the Netherlands. Upon completion, Damen will deliver the vessel to Salaberry-de-Valleyfield in the Montreal region in September 2026, before the annual closure of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
After that, the client will continue the voyage to Lake Simcoe via the Trent-Severn Waterway before that, too, is closed to marine traffic until the following year.
The name of the Ice-Breaking Tug has yet to be determined. However, it is known that it will receive a name with deep cultural meaning from one of the community’s elders in their native Anishinaabemowin, or Southern Ojibway, language.
Damen Sales Manager Americas Dominique Smit, said, “We are pleased to support the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation with a vessel that will help to maintain ferry operations in harsh winter conditions. It is an honour to contribute to the community’s connectivity and resilience, and we look forward to a long lasting relationship.”
