The 103m vessel was transferred to a submersible barge at the shipyard and launched into the Bedford Basin. Credit: © Irving Shipbuilding Inc.

The Royal Canadian Navy has launched its sixth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, at Irving Shipbuilding’s Halifax Shipyard. 

It marks a milestone in Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) and the modernisation of its naval fleet.  

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The 103 metre (m) Harry DeWolf-class vessel was transferred to a submersible barge at the shipyard and launched into the Bedford Basin, completing this phase more than two months earlier than anticipated. 

The ship, named after the Second World War naval hero lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray, was constructed by a team of more than 2,400 shipbuilders.  

It is currently docked at the Halifax Shipyard, where preparations are underway for upcoming sea trials.  

The Royal Canadian Navy is expected to take delivery of the vessel in August 2025. 

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The contract for the construction of six AOPS, valued at $2.3bn, was signed in 2015 between the Canadian Government and Irving Shipbuilding. 

Irving Shipbuilding president Dirk Lesko said: “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.” 

In addition, the Halifax Shipyard is also constructing two variants for the Canadian Coast Guard, named Donjek and Sermilik, with both projects advancing according to schedule.  

Following the commencement of the River-class destroyer production test module in June 2024, the shipyard is set to begin full-rate production of the 15 River-class destroyers in April 2025. 

The Harry DeWolf-class vessels, including the HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, are named in honour of distinguished Royal Canadian Navy veterans.  

The other ships in the class are named Harry DeWolf, Margaret Brooke, Max Bernays, William Hall, and Frédérick Rolette.  

The AOPS fleet will enhance Canada’s maritime surveillance capabilities, including in the Arctic, and support sovereignty enforcement, cooperation with international partners, and provide the Government of Canada with increased maritime domain awareness.  

The versatility of these ships enables Canada to deploy naval forces globally on short notice, either independently or as part of allied or coalition forces. 

Canda National Defence Minister Bill Blair said: “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.” 

In December 2023, the fifth AOPS, named the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette, was launched two months ahead of schedule.