Did you know…
CCGS Amundsen
Previously known as the Canadian Coast Guard Sir. John Franklin, in September, 2003 after a previously accepted proposal by a joint-group of Canadian universities, a $30M state-of-the-art retrofit turned the Sir. John Franklin into the CCGS Amundsen – Canada’s premier scientific research icebreaker.
Among some of the upgraded features made to the youthful 29-year old icebreaker include:
- Capacity to conduct ocean-floor mapping (a feature used to survey safe transit through the Northwest Passage)
- Ability to take ocean samples from a specifically designed “moon pool” at the bottom of the vessel’s hull — useful during inclement weather
- Numerous meteorological instruments and laboratories which make the Amundsen a world-leader in executing scientific research to better understand the changing Arctic landscape
The Amundsen is currently serving as the platform for the largest of Canada’s International Polar Year projects — the Circumpolar Flaw Lead System Study. The project lasting from October, 2007 — August, 2008 required the Amundsen to winter in the southern Beaufort Sea region.
CCGS Amundsen during winter operations.
Credit: Canadian Coast Guard