Algoma Steel Supplies Davie Shipbuilders with Plate for Polar Max Icebreaker

The partnership supports skilled jobs in Ontario and Quebec and strengthens Canada's shipbuilding supply chain.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Algoma Steel has begun supplying steel plate to Davie, the shipbuilding company responsible for constructing the Polar Max Icebreaker for the Canadian Coast Guard. The plate production is taking place at Algoma's facility in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and the steel will be delivered to Davie's shipyard in Lévis, Quebec. This partnership aligns with the Canadian government's Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy and Buy Canadian Policy, aimed at supporting the country's domestic steel and shipbuilding industries.

Why it matters

The Polar Max Icebreaker project is a significant investment in Canada's shipbuilding capabilities and the country's ability to maintain a presence in the Arctic. By sourcing steel from a domestic supplier like Algoma, the project is strengthening the overall shipbuilding supply chain and supporting skilled manufacturing jobs in Ontario and Quebec.

The details

Algoma Steel will be delivering steel plates to Davie's shipyard in Lévis, Quebec, where the Polar Max Icebreaker is being constructed. Davie has committed to using Canadian-made steel for the project, aligning with the federal government's policies aimed at supporting the domestic steel and shipbuilding industries. The partnership between Algoma and Davie is expected to support skilled jobs in both Ontario and Quebec.

  • Algoma began plate production for the Polar Max Icebreaker in February 2026.
  • In March 2025, Canada awarded Davie the Polar Max project.
  • Davie, Algoma Steel, Stigterstaal Canada, and the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi partnered for the Polar Max program in 2022.

The players

Algoma Steel

A Canadian steel producer based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, that is supplying steel plate for the construction of the Polar Max Icebreaker.

Davie

The shipbuilding enterprise responsible for manufacturing the Polar Max Icebreaker vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard.

Rajat Marwah

The CEO of Algoma Steel.

James Davies

The CEO of Davie.

Hanwha Ocean

A South Korean shipbuilder that has signed a memorandum of understanding with Algoma Steel to use the company's steel if awarded the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.

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What they’re saying

“Working with Algoma puts Canadian steel at the heart of Davie's shipbuilding capability, strengthening the shipbuilding ecosystem and supporting skilled jobs in Québec and Ontario.”

— James Davies, CEO of Davie (steelmarketupdate.com)

“Algoma Steel is proud to supply Canadian-made steel for programs that matter to Canadians including shipbuilding and defense. This partnership supports skilled jobs in Ontario and strengthens the industrial foundation Canada needs to build and maintain critical assets for the future.”

— Rajat Marwah, CEO of Algoma Steel (steelmarketupdate.com)

What’s next

The Polar Max Icebreaker project is expected to continue with Algoma Steel supplying steel plate and Davie overseeing the construction of the vessel at its shipyard in Lévis, Quebec.

The takeaway

This partnership between Algoma Steel and Davie Shipbuilders demonstrates Canada's commitment to supporting its domestic steel and shipbuilding industries, creating skilled jobs and strengthening the country's industrial capabilities for critical infrastructure projects like the Polar Max Icebreaker.