Canada’s sixth and concluding Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, took to the water on December 9, 2024, in Halifax. This marks the culmination of a significant chapter in the Royal Canadian Navy’s fleet development efforts under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).
“Today’s launch of the sixth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship for the Royal Canadian Navy represents a major achievement for Canada’s shipbuilding industry and a key milestone in the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). This ship, designed and built by Canadian workers, is an example of the federal government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening our naval capabilities. The NSS continues to create good paying jobs, stimulate innovation and ensure the long-term sustainability of our maritime industries. As we launch this vessel, we reaffirm our dedication to supporting members of the Royal Canadian Navy and safeguarding Canada’s waters for generations to come,” said the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant.
This latest addition to the Harry DeWolf-class of vessels represents a pivotal achievement, underscoring the ongoing modernization of Canada’s naval combat fleet. Notably, the launch occurred over two months ahead of schedule, showcasing the efficiency and expertise of the Halifax Shipyard team. On December 6, the 103-metre ship was carefully moved from the land-based facility to a submersible barge and, days later, was successfully launched into the Bedford Basin.
“The launch of the sixth and final Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel is an important milestone as it marks the culmination of the construction of the Harry DeWolf-class, a tremendous new capability for the RCN that is already demonstrating its value in our Arctic,” stated Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander Royal Canadian Navy.
Now docked at Halifax Shipyard, the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray will undergo final preparations, including extensive testing and sea trials. The handover to the Royal Canadian Navy is slated for August 2025, signaling the ship’s readiness for active duty.
“With the sixth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel launched, we are increasing the Royal Canadian Navy’s presence and reach in the Arctic – asserting our sovereignty in the region. These are modern and technologically advanced ships that are enhancing our ability to conduct surveillance and deter maritime threats in the North. As work continues on the Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessels, I look forward to the delivery of the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray to the Royal Canadian Navy next year,” expressed the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence.
Beyond this milestone, the Halifax Shipyard is actively engaged in building two AOPS variants for the Canadian Coast Guard, specifically the future CCG Ships Donjek and Sermilik. Progress on these vessels remains on track, reflecting the shipyard’s commitment to delivering high-quality assets for Canada’s maritime needs.
“The launch of the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray is another milestone achieved on our mission to deliver ships for Canada. The teamwork and dedication of our workforce continues to produce results that demonstrate the incredible progress being made here in Halifax,” stated Dirk Lesko, President, Irving Shipbuilding Inc.
Further expanding its contributions, the Halifax Shipyard commenced work on the River-class destroyer production test module in mid-2024. Full-scale production of these destroyers is set to begin in April 2025, marking the start of an ambitious plan to produce 15 such vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy.
As part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, a generation of skilled shipbuilders has come together to deliver six AOPS for the Royal Canadian Navy, two for the Canadian Coast Guard, and a fleet of River-class destroyers. This collective effort underscores a renewed era of shipbuilding excellence and maritime capability for Canada.
