(HALIFAX, Nova Scotia) — The Canadian Coast Guard’s first Arctic and offshore patrol ship (AOPS), the future CCGS Donjek, was launched Tuesday at Irving Shipbuilding’s Halifax Shipyard.
The launch of the first AOPS for the Canadian Coast Guard marks a significant milestone for Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) and the revitalization of the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet.
The 343-foot vessel transitioned from Halifax Shipyard’s land level facility to a submersible barge on April 27 and launched in the Bedford Basin late April 28.
The future CCGS Donjek is now pier side at Halifax Shipyard where work continues in preparation for sea trials and delivery to the Canadian Coast Guard later this year.
Halifax Shipyard continues build progress on the second and final Arctic and offshore patrol ship for the Canadian Coast Guard, the future CCGS Sermilik, with work advancing as scheduled.
The Canadian Coast Guard’s AOPS variants will be tasked with a wide range of missions. Both ships will operate as the Canadian Coast Guard’s primary platform with increased capabilities to support fisheries enforcement on Canada’s east coast and support search and rescue and icebreaking operations, while strengthening Canada’s presence in the Arctic during the summer.
Preceding the Canadian Coast Guard AOPS variants, Irving Shipbuilding delivered six Harry DeWolf-class AOPS to the Royal Canadian Navy, leading the revitalization of the Royal Canadian Navy’s fleet. The success of the AOPS program is a clear reflection of the NSS’s impact, demonstrating how strategic investment in domestic shipbuilding strengthens national capabilities and supports Canadian sovereignty on the global stage.
– Irving Shipbuilding
