A ceremony was held at Halifax Shipyard on November 6, 2025 where the keel was laid for the eighth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) — the future CCGS Sermilik.
This milestone marks the continuation of a proud shipbuilding legacy and signals a new chapter in Canada’s commitment to Arctic sovereignty, northern safety, and marine science.
“Today’s keel laying for the future CCGS Sermilik highlights the sovereign capability that exists in Halifax to deliver the objectives of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. Our 2,400 shipbuilders are proud to be building ships which will serve the Canadian Coast Guard well for decades to come,” stated Dirk Lesko, President, Irving Shipbuilding Inc.
A Ceremony Rooted in Heritage
The keel laying ceremony, one of the oldest traditions in shipbuilding, dates back to the days of ancient Rome. It represents more than the first steel joined on a new vessel — it’s a symbolic act of good fortune, protection, and hope for those who will one day serve aboard.
Trevor Hodgson, Senior Director of Fleet, Canadian Coast Guard (Atlantic Region), and Peter Egener, Senior Director of Engineering Services, joined Dirk Lesko, President of Irving Shipbuilding, to mark this significant occasion. Together, they upheld the longstanding custom of welding a coin to the ship’s hull — a token meant to bring luck to its captain and crew throughout the vessel’s service life.
The coin, carefully selected by the Canadian Coast Guard, was presented by Hodgson and Egener, and welded in place by Andrew Goill, a Red Seal welder at Halifax Shipyard. With the tradition complete, Hodgson formally declared the hull “well and truly laid,” officially commencing construction of the Sermilik.
“Today’s keel laying for the CCGS Sermilik marks another step forward in building a stronger, more self-reliant marine industry here in Canada. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are supporting good, sustainable jobs, strengthening our shipyards, and delivering modern vessels that will serve Canadians, from protecting our waters to supporting communities across the North, for generations to come,” expressed the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.
A Vessel Named for the North
The Sermilik draws its name from the Sermilik Glacier, located within Sirmilik National Park in Nunavut — a tribute to Canada’s Arctic environment and the Coast Guard’s essential role in protecting and serving northern communities. Each vessel in the Coast Guard’s AOPS class represents a connection between Canada’s maritime service and the landscapes it safeguards.
Shipbuilding Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy
The Sermilik is the final ship in the AOPS line, a cornerstone project under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). Through this strategy, Irving Shipbuilding has already delivered six AOPS to the Royal Canadian Navy, strengthening Canada’s naval readiness and Arctic capability.
Two AOPS are currently being constructed for the Canadian Coast Guard, including the Sermilik, marking an important expansion of the Coast Guard’s operational capacity in northern and offshore environments.
Beyond the AOPS program, Halifax Shipyard has also begun construction of the first of 15 River-class destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy — a transformative next phase in Canada’s naval renewal that underscores the long-term vision of the NSS: rebuilding Canada’s shipbuilding industry, creating good jobs, and ensuring the country maintains a world-class fleet built by Canadians, for Canadians.
“I commend the work of our shipbuilders in reaching this keel laying for the CCGS Sermilik, which will contribute to a modern and capable Canadian Coast Guard fleet while supporting the growth of Canada’s marine industry. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are strengthening our shipbuilding capabilities, creating skilled jobs and delivering the vessels the Canadian Coast Guard needs to safeguard our waters and maritime sovereignty,” said the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement).
A Symbol of Progress and Pride
The keel laying of the Sermilik is both an ending and a beginning — the completion of one chapter in Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship story and the start of another for the Coast Guard’s modern fleet. It stands as a symbol of craftsmanship, collaboration, and Canada’s enduring connection to its maritime heritage and northern frontier.
