Canadian Navy receives final Arctic and offshore patrol vessel

The Royal Canadian Navy has received the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, the sixth and final Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and offshore patrol vessel (AOPV).

The vessel was named after a Second World War hero, lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray.

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Following its delivery to the Royal Canadian Navy, HMCS Robert Hampton Gray will undergo a series of sea trials, evaluations in both warm and cold conditions, and post-delivery assessments.

The vessel is anticipated to be officially commissioned in 2026 upon its arrival at its home base in Esquimalt, British Columbia.

The HMCS Robert Hampton Gray joins its sister ships Harry DeWolf, Margaret Brooke, Max Bernays, William Hall, and Frédérick Rolette.

The patrol vessel is scheduled to relocate to the West Coast, where it will integrate with the Maritime Forces Pacific Fleet alongside the HMCS Max Bernays.

Canada National Defence Minister David McGuinty said: “Today is a major milestone in our National Shipbuilding Strategy. With the delivery of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Robert Hampton Gray, the sixth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, the Royal Canadian Navy now has a complete fleet ready to patrol our waters and defend our sovereignty.

“These ships strengthen Canada’s ability to protect our interests at home and abroad, and they give our sailors the modern tools they need to do their job. This achievement is thanks to the dedication of workers at Irving and across Canada’s shipbuilding industry.”

Equipped for armed surveillance, all active Harry DeWolf-class vessels are also capable of providing humanitarian aid, responding to emergencies, and supporting disaster relief efforts.

Built by Irving Shipbuilding, the vessels have already participated in Operations Caribbe, Horizon, And Nanook, demonstrating their capabilities.

Designed for ice navigation, the AOPVs are intended to reinforce Canada’s presence in the Arctic region and affirm national sovereignty.

These ships are equipped to be deployed globally, thus enhancing the Royal Canadian Navy’s ability to contribute to international peacekeeping and security efforts.

The construction of these ships align with Canada’s defence policy and concurrently bolsters the national marine industry as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

Under the strategy, the Canadian government partnered with Irving Shipbuilding, Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards and Chantier Davie Canada, to renew the nations fleet of combat and non-combat vessels.

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