Halifax Shipyard has launched the first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) built for the Canadian Coast Guard, marking a major milestone in Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy and the ongoing renewal of the Coast Guard fleet. The 104.7-meter vessel, designated CCGS Donjek, was launched on April 28 in Bedford Basin after being moved from Halifax Shipyard's land-level facility onto a submersible barge two days earlier.
The ship is now pier-side at the yard, where work will continue ahead of sea trials and delivery to the Canadian Coast Guard later this year. Donjek is the first of two Coast Guard AOPS variants being built by Irving Shipbuilding; work also progresses on the second vessel, the future CCGS Sermilik.
The Coast Guard AOPS will support fisheries enforcement on Canada's East Coast, search and rescue, icebreaking, humanitarian assistance, and summer Arctic operations, giving the service a more capable platform for northern and offshore missions. Kevin Brosseau, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, called the launch a major advancement, noting that the ship's shared class with the Royal Canadian Navy will deepen collaboration at sea while expanding fisheries patrols, conservation efforts and support for coastal and northern communities.
The Coast Guard ships follow Irving Shipbuilding's delivery of six Harry DeWolf-class AOPS to the Royal Canadian Navy. Halifax Shipyard is also advancing work on Canada's new River-class Destroyer program, with keel laying for the future HMCS Fraser scheduled for June 2026.
Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement Joel Lightbound said the National Shipbuilding Strategy is building more than ships — it is building industrial capacity in Canada. Irving Shipbuilding President Dirk Lesko called the launch "another major milestone" in the company's shipbuilding program for Canada.
Key Takeaways:
1. Halifax Shipyard launched CCGS Donjek, the first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship for the Canadian Coast Guard.
2. The 104.7-meter vessel was launched at Bedford Basin on April 28; sea trials and delivery are planned later in the year.
3. Donjek is the first of two Coast Guard AOPS variants built by Irving Shipbuilding; the future CCGS Sermilik is also under construction.
4. Coast Guard AOPS will support East Coast fisheries enforcement, search and rescue, icebreaking, humanitarian aid and summer Arctic operations.
5. Halifax Shipyard is also advancing the River-class destroyer program, with HMCS Fraser keel laying scheduled for June 2026.
