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Halifax Shipyard News

11 Dec 2023

Canada’s Fifth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship Launched

(Photo: Irving Shipbuilding)

The Royal Canadian Navy’s fifth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette, was launched December 9, 2023, at Irving Shipbuilding's Halifax Shipyard.A full two months ahead of schedule, the 103-metre future HMCS Frédérick Rolette transitioned from Halifax Shipyard’s land level facility to a submersible barge on December 8 and launched in the Bedford Basin. The ship is now pier side at Halifax Shipyard where work continues in preparation for sea trials…

08 Aug 2023

Irving Cuts Steel for AOPS 7, the First Vessel for the Canadian Coast Guard

(Photo: Irving Shipbuilding)

Canada's Irving Shipbuilding on Tuesday cut steel for the seventh Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), the first of two for the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet. Celebrated at the Halifax Shipyard, the steel cutting of AOPS 7 marks the official start of construction on the vessel.The Canadian Coast Guard’s AOPS 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…

15 Aug 2022

Irving Cuts Steel for Canada's Sixth and Final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship

(Photo: Irving Shipbuilding)

Irving Shipbuilding Inc. announced it has cut first steel for the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, marking the official start of production for Canada’s sixth and Final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) for the Royal Canadian Navy built under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.Construction of Canada’s future combat fleet begins at Irving Shipbuilding’s Marine Fabricators facility in Dartmouth, N.S. The resulting 70,000 pieces are fabricated in a strategic sequence to meet…

31 May 2022

Canadian Navy Names Pair of New Patrol Ships

(Photo: Irving Shipbuilding)

The Royal Canadian Navy's second and third Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) were officially named at Halifax Shipyard on Sunday.Named HMCS Margaret Brooke and HMCS Max Bernays in honor of two Canadians who served in the navy in the Second World War, the vessels are among six AOPS being delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.“This is a proud day for our team of over 2,100 shipbuilders. These two ships are visible signs of the success of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.

23 Mar 2021

Canadian Coast Guard Opts for Thordon Bearings

(Photo: Thordon Bearings)

CCGS Terry Fox, one the largest icebreakers in the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) fleet, has returned to service with new Thordon propeller shaft bearings after concluding that fitting laminate phenolic bearings would extend drydock time and costs.The 88-meter-long vessel, built in the 1980s, had been operating Thordon’s water lubricated elastomeric polymer bearings on both shafts for 24 years. Then in 2018 the port shaft was retrofitted with a European made laminate phenolic-type bearing as part of a shaft alignment contract with the manufacturer.In December 2020…

03 Aug 2020

Canada's First Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship Delivered

The first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), Harry DeWolf, was handed over on July 31, 2020, in Halifax, marking the delivery of the first ship in the largest fleet recapitalization Canada’s peacetime history. (Photo: Royal Canadian Navy)

The first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), Harry DeWolf, was delivered to the Government of Canada on July 31, 2020, in Halifax, N.S.Built by Irving Shipbuilding, the new 6,615-metric-ton, 103.6-meter ship is the largest vessel ever built in Canada in a combat package as well as the largest Navy vessel built in the country in more than 50 years. It is also the first warship to be delivered as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), with many more ships to come as part of the Navy's future fleet.

22 Nov 2019

Harry DeWolf's Sea Trials Underway

Halifax Shipyard has commenced initial builder’s sea trials for Canada’s lead Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), the future HMCS Harry DeWolf.The lead AOPS departed Halifax Shipyard at 0945 and, using its diesel-electric engines, moved to the Bedford Basin to start initial builder’s sea trails associated with anchor handling, the integrated bridge and navigation system (IBNS), fin stabilizers, Multi-Role Rescue Boat (MRRB) launch and recovery, and communication systems.Initial builder’s sea trials will continue over the next few weeks and will be followed by formal sea trials and acceptance by the Royal Canadian Navy. This will span into the first quarter of 2020.At 103 meters and 6…

10 Nov 2019

Canada’s 2nd Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship Launched

The Royal Canadian Navy’s second Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), the future HMCS Margaret Brooke, was launched yesterday, Nov. 10, 2019, at Halifax Shipyard.The launch of the second of six AOPS for the Royal Canadian Navy, marks a significant milestone for Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) and the revitalization of the Royal Canadian Navy’s combatant fleet.The 103-metre future HMCS Margaret Brooke transitioned from Halifax Shipyard’s land level facility to a submersible barge on Nov. 8, 2019 and launched in the Bedford Basin today.The ship is now pier side at Halifax Shipyard where work continues to prepare the ship for sea trials and handover to the Royal Canadian Navy late next year.The future HMCS Margaret Brooke joins Canada’s lead AOPS…

05 Jun 2019

Halifax to Build Two Arctic, Offshore Vessels

Canada's national shipbuilder, Irving Shipbuilding said that it will build two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships for the Canadian Coast Guard."Congratulations to the men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard on today’s announcement that Halifax Shipyard will build two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships for its fleet," said the Halifax-based Shipyard in a statement."We are proud to be selected to build the two ice-capable, multi-purpose Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships that will increase the Coast Guard fleet’s capability and capacity and enhance its important work in the Arctic," it added.Construction of two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships…

05 May 2019

Halifax Assembles HMCS Margaret Brooke

The Royal Canadian Navy's second Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), the future HMCS Margaret Brooke, is now structurally assembled at Irving Shipbuilding's Halifax Shipyard.On Friday, May 3, the bow section of the second AOPS was transported on heavy lift transporters from inside the Halifax Shipyard's indoor shipbuilding facility outside to land level. Work will continue over the coming weeks to fully join the bow mega-block and its components to the centre and stern mega-blocks, which were transported to land level in September 2018.With all three sections of the second AOPS joined, further outfitting of the ship will continue.

24 Oct 2018

Modest Tree to Provide Virtual Reality Training for MAN

MAN Energy Solutions has selected Nova Scotia-based simulation and training software developer, Modest Tree, to develop a virtual reality training solution for the engines onboard the Royal Canadian Navy’s new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships under construction at Halifax Shipyard.The virtual reality training solution, the first of its kind in the marine sector, will train the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy to operate and maintain the ship’s engines.Each Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship will be propelled by two MAN Energy Solutions 4.5 megawatt diesel/electric propulsion engines.MAN Energy Solutions is a subcontractor of GE Canada, the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship Integrated Propulsion System Integrator.

12 Oct 2018

Irving Shipbuilding Hands-Over HMCS Fredericton

Canada’s National Shipbuilder Irving Shipbuilding celebrated the handover of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton to the Royal Canadian Navy following the completion of an extensive docking work period.The Halifax-headquartered shipyard said in a press release that the docking work period included routine maintenance and upgrades to ensure the longevity of HMCS Fredericton, a Halifax-class frigate.More than 400 of Halifax Shipyard’s 1,900 employees worked on HMCS Fredericton’s docking work period, including shipbuilders who are members of Unifor Local 1. Over 45 Nova Scotia-based suppliers worked with Halifax Shipyard on the Fredericton docking work period…

08 Oct 2018

Canada’s Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship Named Harry DeWolf

Thousands of Halifax Shipyard shipbuilders, along with the ship’s company, joined Government of Canada and Royal Canadian Navy representatives to celebrate Madame Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, the ship’s sponsor, to officially name Canada’s lead Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, Harry DeWolf.At the ceremony, Mme. Grégoire Trudeau broke a bottle of Nova Scotia Traditional Method Sparkling Wine against the bow of the ship for good luck, while declaring, ““I name you Harry DeWolf. Bénit soit ce navire ainsi que tous les hommes et femmes qui navigueront à son bord.”The name of the lead Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, Harry DeWolf, was chosen in honour of wartime Canadian naval hero Vice-Admiral Harry DeWolf.

17 Sep 2018

Canada's First New Arctic Patrol Vessel Launched

Canada’s lead Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, the future HMCS Harry DeWolf, was launched at Halifax Shipyard on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) and the revitalization of the Royal Canadian Navy’s combatant fleet.At 103 meters and 6,615 metric tons, the future HMCS Harry DeWolf is the largest Royal Canadian Navy ship built in Canada in 50 years. The ship was transitioned from the builder's land level facility to a submersible barge on Friday, and launched in the Bedford Basin the following day.The lead ship in the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship program is now pier side at Irving Shipbuilding's Halifax Shipyard where shipbuilders will continue working to prepare the vessel for sea trials in 2019.

14 Aug 2018

HMCS Montreal Arrives at Halifax Shipyard for DWP

The Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigate, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montreal, arrived at Halifax Shipyard for a 53-week docking work period (DWP) that includes routine maintenance and upgrades to ensure the ships longevity.More than 400 Halifax Shipyard employees will work on HMCS Montreal DWP, including apprentice and journeyperson crane operators, electricians, engine fitters, ironworkers, joiners/stagers, labourers, material handlers, pipefitters, riggers, and welders, who are members of Unifor Local 1.HMCS Montreal is the third consecutive Halifax-class frigate from the Navy’s east coast fleet to enter the Halifax Shipyard’s graving dock for a DWP since 2016.

24 May 2018

ABCO Industries to Build New Arctic, Offshore Patrol Ships

Irving Shipbuilding, Canada’s National Shipbuilder, has awarded an $8.9 million contract to ABCO Industries Limited (ABCO) for the design and construction of 12 metre landing craft for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS). Halifax Shipyard is constructing up to six AOPS as part of the Government of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). Each AOPS will have one custom designed 12m landing craft onboard. The landing craft will be used by Royal Canadian Navy to deploy vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles or trucks, from the ship’s vehicle bay. ABCO, based in Lunenburg…

16 Mar 2017

Irving Shipbuilding Invests in Ocean Technology Programs

Irving Shipbuilding Inc. said it has made a multimillion dollar investment to support marine innovation and commercialization in Nova Scotia and across Canada. The shipbuilder is investing $4.52 million in the newly established Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE), an ocean innovation centre to be located on the waterfront in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The investment over the next five years represents the largest private sector contribution COVE has received to date. At COVE, ocean science research, start-ups, R&D-intensive companies, industry and Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions will work together to create a cluster of marine innovation and commercialization, and become global leaders.

14 Jun 2016

Milestone for Canada’s Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships

GE’s Marine Solutions business in Peterborough, Ontario is completing one of the first milestones of the company’s seven-year contract with Irving Shipbuilding Inc.,(ISI) to provide electrical power, propulsion systems, installation and commissioning services for six ice-capable Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) for the Royal Canadian Navy. GE’s power and propulsion systems will position the new vessels amongst the highest performance in their class worldwide. Four diesel generators and engines have been shipped to ISI’s Halifax Shipyard, and GE has begun acceptance testing on the first AOPS propulsion motor, expected to ship in early July. GE suppliers located in Ontario are contributing to the project providing steel, skids, metal and machining.

02 Sep 2015

Irving Begins Building Canada's First Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship

Kevin McCoy, President of Irving Shipbuilding and hundreds of employees at the Halifax Shipyard mark the start of production of the first Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship today (CNW Group/J.D. Irving, Limited)

Hundreds of employees gathered in Irving Shipbuilding’s new Assembly Hall at the Halifax Shipyard to celebrate the start of production of Canada’s first Arctic Offshore Patrol ship (AOPS). “Today is a milestone we have all been anticipating. It is a great day to be a shipbuilder in Nova Scotia as we mark the beginning of this generational opportunity,” said Kevin McCoy, President of Irving Shipbuilding. “We're doing this with the best team and the largest and most modern shipbuilding facility in North America. Production has begun on two units for the center section of the first AOPS.

19 May 2015

Bridge Systems Ordered for Canadian Navy Newbuids

Artist rendering of the definition design for Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships

OSI Maritime Systems Ltd. (OSI) has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin Canada to build, deliver and support the installation of the Integrated Navigation and Bridge Systems (INBS) for the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) new class of Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) to be built at the Halifax Shipyard. This implementation phase contract is being awarded subsequent to the successful conclusion of a 21-month design phase contract completed in early 2015. Lockheed Martin Canada…

18 Feb 2015

Irving Shipyard Offers College, Job Opportunities for Women

From left to right: Doreen Parsons, Manager of the Women Unlimited Association; Don Bureaux, Nova Scotia Community College President; Kevin McCoy, President of Irving Shipbuilding; Kelly Regan, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education; Koren Beaman, Halifax Shipyard Local 1 Executive (CNW Group/J.D. Irving, Limited)

Irving Shipbuilding has partnered with Women Unlimited to provide education funding and job opportunities to 20 women who will participate in the welding and metal fabrication program at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Akerley Campus. The partnership is an outcome of Irving Shipbuilding's Centre of Excellence funding announced in October 2012. The mandate of the Centre of Excellence is to provide Nova Scotians, with particular focus on under-represented Nova Scotians, with applicable programs and training to optimize opportunities to work in the marine industry.

23 Jan 2015

Irving Celebrates Canadian AOPS Build Contract

Photo: Irving Shipbuilding

The Government of Canada joined Irving Shipbuilding and its employees today marked the signing of the $2.3 billion Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) build contract at Halifax Shipyard. The Honorable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada and the Honorable Peter MacKay, Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Canada and Minister Responsible for Nova Scotia participated with Irving Shipbuilding as well as provincial, municipal and community leaders…

17 Jan 2015

Irving Shipbuilding Update

In a technical briefing with media in Ottawa this morning, representatives from Public Works Government Services Canada, the Canadian Navy and Irving Shipbuilding provided an overview of the Arctic Offshore Patrol ship program including the ship’s design and capability, the number of ships to be built and the construction schedule. The spokesman in his brief informed: We look forward to celebrating this important milestone – the awarding of a build contract - with our employees, our community and Canada in the coming weeks at the Halifax Shipyard. Since June of 2012 we have been maturing the design with the Canadian Navy to make sure it provides the capability required by those who bravely serve.