Irving Shipbuilding has launched the Royal Canadian Navy’s sixth and final Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The HMCS Robert Hampton Gray’s (AOPS 435) development is part of Ottawa’s 2015 objective to adopt next-generation surface combatants in response to potential adversaries in the high north.
Irving noted that the ceremony for the vessel was conducted two months ahead of schedule, with about 2,400 experts supporting its construction.
The platform is now receiving additional work in preparation for its sea trials and delivery to the navy in August 2025.
“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),” Canadian Public Services and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos commented during the ceremony.
“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.”
Irving delivered the fifth DeWolf ship, the HMCS Frédérick Rolette (AOPS 434), to the Royal Canadian Navy in September.
Meanwhile, two special AOPS variants for the Canadian Coast Guard, the HMCS Donjek Glacier and HMCS Sermilik Glacier, are still under construction at the company’s Halifax shipyard.
Canada’s Harry DeWolf Vessel
The Harry DeWolf-class AOPS (also called AOPV) measures 104 meters (341 feet) long and can carry more than 80 people.
It has space to accommodate small rescue boats, a landing craft, a CU-176 Gargyle aerial drone, pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, and a helicopter with similar specifications to the CH-148 Cyclone and CH-146 Griffon systems.
DeWolf is equipped with a satellite communication system, anti-missile detection and surveillance radars, machine guns, and other shipborne weapons.
The vessel sails with four diesel-electric engines for speeds up to 17 knots (31 kilometers/20 miles per hour) on water and about 3 knots (6 kilometers/3 miles per hour) on ice.
