Canadian Navy launches sixth and final AOPS

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has launched the sixth and final Arctic and offshore patrol ship (AOPS) HMCS Robert Hampton Gray.

As disclosed, the vessel was floated out at Halifax shipyard on December 9, 2024. The ship is named after Robert Hampton Gray, who became the last Canadian killed in the Second World War and the last Canadian awarded the Victoria Cross in August 1945.

HMCS Robert Hampton Gray is 103.6 meters long, has a 19-meter beam and a displacement of 6,615 tons, and is composed of 440,000 parts.

Over two months ahead of schedule, the vessel transitioned from Halifax Shipyard’s land-level facility to a submersible barge on December 6 and launched in the Bedford Basin.

“With the sixth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel launched, we are increasing the Royal Canadian Navy’s presence and reach in the Arctic – asserting our sovereignty in the region. These are modern and technologically advanced ships that are enhancing our ability to conduct surveillance and deter maritime threats in the North. As work continues on the Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessels, I look forward to the delivery of the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray to the Royal Canadian Navy next year,” Bill Blair, Minister of National Defense, said.

“The launch of the sixth and final Arctic Offshore Parol Vessel is an important milestone as it marks the culmination of the construction of the Harry DeWolf-class, a tremendous new capability for the RCN that is already demonstrating its value in our Arctic,” Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander Royal Canadian Navy, stated.

According to DND’s Materiel Group, work now continues at the shipyard in preparation for sea trials and handover to the Royal Canadian Navy in August 2025.

To remind, the keel-laying ceremony for HMCS Robert Hampton Gray was held in August 2023.

Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), Irving Shipbuilding is constructing six AOPS vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy, two AOPS for the Canadian Coast Guard, and 15 Canadian Surface Combatants (CSC) for the Royal Canadian Navy.