Adapting an amphibious design for Canadian Arctic operations

Which amphibious design is best to convert for Canadian Arctic operations?

An ice-adapted Karel Doorman or another current European concept is considered, with the choice depending on the desired dock, hangar and aviation roles.

The proposed Canadian requirement centres on helicopters, covered working space and ice hardening. Karel Doorman is raised as an adaptable Dutch design, with more hangar capacity desired. Mistral prompts reservations about the age of the design and its speed, while the American ships are criticised for their size and crewing burden. Later suggestions include Damen concepts or Trieste according to whether the intended ship is an LPD or LHD. The preference is to adapt a design before construction, rather than force a completed foreign arrangement into Canadian requirements. A final exchange identifies damage control as one reason for the American crew demand.