MAADI Group has forged a strong collaboration with North Vancouver’s Seaspan and the Washington Group of Companies, one of North America’s premier shipbuilders, which constructs vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy. This partnership highlights MAADI Group’s expertise as a marine gangway manufacturer, delivering innovative aluminum gangway solutions that ensure safe and efficient access to vessels during their construction and operation.
Advancing the Polar Icebreaker Project
The Polar Icebreaker Project, formerly the Polar Class Icebreaker Project, is a vital part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. Initially launched in 2008 to replace the aging CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent by 2017, the project has faced significant delays. Now, as of 2025, it includes plans for two advanced icebreakers, CCGS Arpatuuq and CCGS Imnaryuaq, with the first expected to enter service in 2030. These vessels will play a critical role in asserting Canadian sovereignty and maintaining access to Arctic waters year-round.
MAADI Group’s marine gangway engineering capabilities are integral to supporting these projects. The company provides ship gangway systems that ensure safe and adaptable access between vessels and outfitting piers, critical during the construction of the Polar Icebreaker and other next-generation ships.
Supporting the Canadian Arctic Fleet
Canada’s Arctic Archipelago, encompassing over 1.4 million square kilometers and more than 36,000 islands, presents extreme environmental challenges. Recognizing the importance of its sovereignty over these remote northern regions, Canada has invested heavily in Arctic-capable vessels. The flagship Polar Icebreaker, complemented by 16 Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs), will undertake diverse missions, including icebreaking, search and rescue, and navigational support.
To support these vessels, MAADI Group has delivered marine gangway systems designed to accommodate ship movements caused by tides, winds, and weight changes. These lightweight aluminum gangways are engineered with dynamic features, including anti-slip steps and adjustable inclinations of up to 55 degrees. The systems ensure the safety and reliability required for the construction of the many vessels.
Joint Support Ships and Multi-Purpose Vessels
The Joint Support Ships (JSS), under construction for the Royal Canadian Navy, are multi-role vessels that provide replenishment, training support, and humanitarian aid. These ships, along with the MPVs, require sophisticated outfitting pier access. MAADI Group’s aluminum gangway for marine use ensures smooth and safe boarding during construction and post-deployment phases.
The gangways supplied by MAADI Group include two designs:
Tower Marine Gangways
- Lightweight aluminum gangways (789.1 kg) engineered to accommodate elevation changes between pier and ship levels.
- Allow vertical pitch adjustments of ±30 degrees and lateral ship movement of ±1.2 meters.
Ladder Marine Gangways
- Designed for inclinations up to 55 degrees with anti-slip steps.
- Equipped with a hot-dip galvanized steel turning table and counterweights for stability.
These gangways are manufactured following international standards, including ISO 7061:2024 for seagoing vessel gangways and BS MA 78:1978 for lightweight ship-to-shore gangways.
A Commitment to Excellence
Since 2005, MAADI Group has delivered hundreds of ship gangways worldwide, meeting the highest standards of safety and functionality. The company’s reputation as a leading marine gangway manufacturer is built on its commitment to innovation, precision engineering, and sustainable materials like marine-grade aluminum. These gangways are not only lightweight but also highly durable, ensuring long-term performance in demanding maritime environments.
MAADI Group continues to enhance Canada’s shipbuilding capabilities, delivering engineering gangway solutions that support the construction and operation of state-of-the-art vessels for Canada’s maritime and Arctic missions.
