The CCGS Labrador was a Wind-class icebreaker built to serve Canada's Arctic and maritime needs. Constructed using modified plans from the US Coast Guard's Wind-class vessels, she featured a robust hull plated with 1 5/8 inches (41 mm) of rolled high tensile steel, ensuring durability against ice conditions. She measured 82 meters (269 feet) in overall length, with a beam of 19.5 meters (64 feet) and a draught of 8.8 meters (28 feet 10 inches). Her displacement was 6,490 long tons (6,590 tonnes), and she had a gross register tonnage of 3,823 GRT. Labrador was the first RCN vessel to be fully diesel-electric, equipped with six 2,000 horsepower (1,500 kW) engine/generators driving twin 5,000 shaft horsepower (3,700 kW) motors, allowing a maximum speed of 16 knots (30 km/h). She was fitted with Denny Brown gyro stabilizers, and her full bridge control of diesel engines enhanced her maneuverability. Notably, she featured technological advancements for her time, including central heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and bunks instead of hammocks. Her hull was reinforced with icebreaking capabilities, including starboard and port heeling tanks capable of transferring 40,000 gallons per minute. Labrador was launched on December 14, 1951, built at Marine Industries LTD in Sorel, Quebec, and commissioned on July 8, 1954. Her early service included pioneering Arctic exploration, notably becoming the first Canadian warship to transit the Northwest Passage and circumnavigate North America in a single voyage. She conducted extensive hydrographic surveys, supported scientific research, and participated in notable projects like the DEW Line. After her transfer to civilian control in 1958, she operated primarily within the Department of Transport and later the Canadian Coast Guard, undertaking annual Arctic missions, including reaching Hans Island in 1964—the northernmost point attained by a Canadian vessel at that time. Decommissioned in 1987, she was scrapped in Taiwan in 1989. Her service marked a significant milestone in Canada's Arctic exploration and icebreaking capabilities, establishing the foundation for ongoing coast guard operations in ice-covered waters.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.