Halifax, Nova Scotia – The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is poised to complete a significant chapter in its Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) program as the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, the sixth and final vessel of the Harry DeWolf-class, prepares to commence its final sea trials by the end of August 2025. This milestone, announced by Irving Shipbuilding, brings Canada closer to commissioning the last of its advanced patrol ships, designed to bolster maritime surveillance and assert sovereignty in the Arctic region.
Following the the sea trials, Robert Hampton Gray will have an official naming ceremony.
Launched on December 9, 2024, at Irving Shipbuilding’s Halifax Shipyard, the HMCS Robert Hampton Gray represents the culmination of the RCN’s AOPS initiative under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). The vessel, constructed by over 2,400 skilled shipbuilders, was floated out more than two months ahead of schedule, a testament to the efficiency and dedication of the Halifax Shipyard team. Now pier-side, the 103.6-meter ship is undergoing final preparations before its sea trials, with delivery to the RCN expected later in the summer of 2025.
Named in honor of Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray, a Canadian naval hero and the last Canadian awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War, the ship carries a legacy of courage and service. Gray’s heroic actions during the 1945 invasion of Okinawa, where he sank a Japanese escort vessel despite his aircraft being on fire, are commemorated in the vessel’s name, reflecting the RCN’s commitment to honoring its storied past.
The HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, like its sister ships, is designed for versatility and resilience in the harsh Arctic environment. Measuring 103.6 meters in length with a 19-meter beam and displacing 6,615 tonnes, the vessel is equipped with advanced sensor systems, including the SAGEM BlueNaute inertial navigation unit, Terma SCANTER 6002 radar, and Kelvin Hughes SharpEye radars. With a crew capacity of 65 personnel and space for 22 mission specialists, the ship is optimized for long-duration missions, boasting a range of 6,800 nautical miles and an endurance of 120 days. Its capabilities include maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and support for a wide range of operations, from Arctic patrols to international deployments.
The sea trials, set to begin in August, will rigorously test the vessel’s systems, performance, and seaworthiness, ensuring it meets the RCN’s operational standards. Following successful trials, the ship will undergo an official naming ceremony before its anticipated commissioning later in 2025, marking the completion of the Harry DeWolf-class program. This achievement underscores the NSS’s role in revitalizing Canada’s naval capabilities and supporting economic growth through job creation and innovation in the shipbuilding industry.
The Harry DeWolf-class, which includes HMCS Harry DeWolf, Margaret Brooke, Max Bernays, William Hall, and Frédérick Rolette, has already proven its value in enhancing Canada’s presence in the Arctic. These vessels enable the RCN to patrol and secure Canadian waters, deter maritime threats, and cooperate with international partners, reinforcing Canada’s sovereignty in the strategically vital Arctic region, which holds significant natural resources and emerging shipping routes.
As Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the RCN, noted, “The launch of the sixth and final Arctic Offshore Patrol 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.” Minister of National Defence Bill Blair echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the ships’ role in asserting Canada’s sovereignty and enhancing surveillance capabilities in the North.
With the HMCS Robert Hampton Gray nearing completion, Irving Shipbuilding is also looking ahead, with ongoing construction of two AOPS variants for the Canadian Coast Guard and preparations for full-rate production of 15 River-class destroyers starting in April 2025. These efforts highlight the Halifax Shipyard’s pivotal role in Canada’s maritime future.