Halifax Shipyard has launched the Canadian Coast Guard’s first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, the future CCGS Donjek, advancing Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and the renewal of the Coast Guard fleet.
The 104.7 m vessel was moved from the yard’s land level facility to a submersible barge on 26 April. It was launched in Bedford Basin late on 28 April 2026 and is now alongside at Halifax Shipyard, where work continues ahead of sea trials and delivery to the Canadian Coast Guard later this year.
Halifax Shipyard is also building the second and final Coast Guard AOPS, the future CCGS Sermilik, with work progressing as scheduled.
The Coast Guard AOPS vessels will support fisheries enforcement on Canada’s east coast, search and rescue, icebreaking operations and a stronger Arctic presence during the summer. They will serve as the Coast Guard’s primary platform for these expanded duties.
Before the Coast Guard variants, Irving Shipbuilding delivered six Harry DeWolf-class AOPS vessels to the Royal Canadian Navy. The company is also progressing Canada’s River-class Destroyer program. Full rate production began in April 2025, and keel laying for the first vessel, the future HMCS Fraser, is planned for June 2026.
Since the National Shipbuilding Strategy was launched, Irving Shipbuilding has expanded its workforce, upgraded facilities and built a domestic shipbuilding supply chain. Its current program includes six AOPS delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy, two AOPS for the Canadian Coast Guard and 15 River-class Destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy.
Officials said the launch reflects Canada’s investment in domestic shipbuilding capacity, skilled jobs, sovereign capability and fleet renewal.
