The Canadian Coast Guard’s first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS), the future CCGS Donjek, was launched yesterday at 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 104.7-metre vessel transitioned from Halifax Shipyard’s land level facility to a submersible barge on April 26 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 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. This work directly contributes to delivering quality ships to the Canadian Coast Guard, and the progress made thus far on Canada’s new combatant ship, the River-class Destroyer (RCD).
After starting full rate production on the RCD project in April 2025, progress on the first RCD, the future HMCS Fraser, is steadily advancing with keel laying taking place in June 2026.
Since the NSS was announced, Irving Shipbuilding has developed a world-class workforce, modernized facilities, built a sovereign shipbuilding capability, and established a coast-to-coast-to-coast supply chain. With six AOPS delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy, two AOPS for the Canadian Coast Guard underway, and 15 RCD for the Royal Canadian Navy ahead, Irving Shipbuilding is proud to be Canada’s National Shipbuilder, helping build Canada’s future.
“Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are building more than ships — we are building industrial capacity in Canada,” said Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant.
Kevin Brosseau, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, stated:“The launch of the CCGS Donjek is a major advancement for the Canadian Coast Guard. With modern capabilities and a shared class with the Royal Canadian Navy, this vessel will deepen our collaboration at sea and expand our ability to support fisheries patrols, conservation and protection, provide humanitarian assistance, and serve coastal and northern communities with reliability, flexibility, and care – wherever our personnel is needed.”
For his part, Dirk Lesko, President, Irving Shipbuilding Inc., declared: “With the launch of the future CCGS Donjek, we have achieved another major milestone in our commitment to building quality ships for Canada. This achievement is driven by the dedication and teamwork of our people and further highlights Irving Shipbuilding’s role as Canada’s National Shipbuilder.”
(Photo from Irving Shipbuilding)