Irving Shipbuilding has marked a significant milestone with the launch of the Royal Canadian Navy’s sixth and final Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) at its facility in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The vessel, named HMCS Robert Hampton Gray (AOPS 435), represents the culmination of a major initiative to bolster Canada’s maritime capabilities as part of an overarching strategy set by Ottawa in 2015.
The launch, which occurred two months ahead of the planned schedule, was supported by a dedicated team of approximately 2,400 experts who contributed to the ship’s construction. Following the launch, the HMCS Robert Hampton Gray will undergo additional modifications in preparation for its upcoming sea trials, with an anticipated delivery date to the navy slated for August 2025.
During the launch ceremony, Canadian Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos hailed the event as a major achievement for Canada’s shipbuilding industry and a significant milestone in the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). He emphasized the importance of the vessel as a product of Canadian ingenuity and labor, stating, “This ship, designed and built by Canadian workers, is an example of the federal government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening our naval capabilities.”
Minister Duclos further noted that the NSS continues to generate well-paying jobs, spur innovation, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the maritime sector in Canada. His remarks reinforced the government’s dedication to supporting the Royal Canadian Navy and protecting the nation’s waters for future generations.
The successful delivery of the HMCS Frédérick Rolette (AOPS 434) to the Royal Canadian Navy in September underpins the momentum of the shipbuilding program. Additionally, Irving Shipbuilding is currently constructing two variant AOPS vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard, namely the HMCS Donjek Glacier and HMCS Sermilik Glacier, at the Halifax shipyard.
The Harry DeWolf-class AOPS vessels, also referred to as AOPVs, are engineered to be 104 meters (341 feet) in length and accommodate a crew of over 80 personnel. The ships are equipped with essential operational features, including space for small rescue boats, landing craft, an aerial drone (CU-176 Gargyle), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, and a helicopter that meets specifications similar to those of the CH-148 Cyclone and CH-146 Griffon systems.
In terms of operational capabilities, the DeWolf class is outfitted with a comprehensive suite of advanced technologies, including satellite communication systems, anti-missile defense mechanisms, surveillance radars, and an array of shipborne weaponry. The vessels operate using four diesel-electric engines, allowing speeds of up to 17 knots (31 kilometers/hour) in open water and approximately 3 knots (6 kilometers/hour) on icy surfaces.
The launch of the HMCS Robert Hampton Gray underscores the Royal Canadian Navy’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and enhancing its ability to operate effectively in the Arctic and offshore environments.
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