The Canadian Coast Guard is marking a major milestone with the launch of the first of two Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS), built at Halifax’s Irving Shipyard.
The vessel, CCGS Donjek, was moved into the Bedford Basin on Tuesday and is now docked pier-side, where crews are preparing it for sea trials. Officials expect delivery to the Coast Guard later this year.
Once operational, the AOPS will play a critical role in strengthening Canada’s capacity for fisheries enforcement, search and rescue operations, and Arctic icebreaking. Officials note the ship will strengthen Canada’s presence in the Arctic during the summer.
Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works, and Procurement, Joël Lightbound says, “This is a long-term investment in sovereign capability, in Canadian workers, and in the resilience of our domestic supply chains.”
Irving Shipbuilding says work is progressing on schedule for the second and final vessel, CCGS Sermilik, and notes it is proud to serve as Canada’s National Shipbuilder.
