HALIFAX — Federal Fisheries Minister Gail Shea has cut the first steel plate for nine new patrol vessels to be built for the coast guard -- a year to the day the contract was announced.

Shea was joined today at the Halifax Shipyard by workers, Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter.

A $194-million contract for the mid-shore patrol vessels was awarded last Sept. 2 to Irving Shipbuilding Inc.

The first vessel is expected to be ready for service next year, with all nine vessels scheduled for delivery by 2013.

They will replace vessels that are nearing the end of their life expectancies.

Irving Shipbuilding estimates up to 155 people will work on the project with suppliers across Canada benefiting from millions of dollars in purchases of goods and services.