Ottawa announces $194-million contract to build coast guard ships in Halifax

The Canadian Coast Guard will get nine new patrol vessels under a $194-million contract announced Wednesday, years after Ottawa promised to build the ships and beef up the country's aging fleet.

Fisheries Minister Gail Shea said Irving Shipbuilding Inc. will deliver the first midshore patrol vessel in 2011 after the Halifax-based company beat out rival bidders from across Canada.