The CCGS Des Groseilliers is based in Québec. Her powerful diesel-electric propulsion system powers her through ice a meter thick at a speed of 3 knots. She is an essential tool in the Canadian icebreaking program.

The vessel can carry sufficient provisions for 140 days and enough fuel to travel 25 000 nautical miles at cruising speed. She is fitted with equipment that can turn salt water into drinking water to meet the needs of at least 80 people. In addition to sophicticated navigation and communication equipment, she has a landing deck and a helicopter.

In winter, the Des Groseilliers is assigned to icebreaking and ship excort operations in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and on the St. Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers. In late winter, she can be called upon to carry out icebreaking and ship escort operations in the St. Lawrence Seaway and on the Great Lakes.

Every summer, the vessel travels to the Canadian Arctic to escort commercial ships and start up and maintain navigation aids. While in the Arctic, the Des Groseilliers also serves as a primary search and rescue unit and provides support to scientific missions when possible.

Source: https://www.marinfo.gc.ca/en/flotte/desgroseilliers.asp

Image source: Canadian Coast Guard