Halifax, Nova Scotia – August 21, 2025 – In a significant milestone for Canada’s maritime defense, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) officially accepted its sixth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Robert Hampton Gray, during a ceremony at Halifax Shipyard.
This delivery completes the Harry DeWolf-class fleet, a cornerstone of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), designed to bolster the nation’s naval capabilities and assert sovereignty in the Arctic.
HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, named after a Canadian naval hero of the Second World War, Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray, marks the culmination of a decade-long effort to equip the RCN with modern, ice-capable patrol ships. Lieutenant Gray, posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery in sinking a Japanese destroyer in 1945, is honoured through this vessel, which embodies Canada’s commitment to protecting its northern waters and supporting international operations.
A Versatile Fleet for a Changing World
The Harry DeWolf-class AOPVs, built by Irving Shipbuilding Inc., are designed to operate in the harsh conditions of Canada’s Arctic, with the ability to navigate through first-year ice up to one meter thick. Measuring 103.6 meters in length with a displacement of 6,615 metric tons, these vessels are equipped for a range of missions, including coastal surveillance, search and rescue, drug interdiction, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief. Their versatility allows the RCN to project power domestically and globally, supporting Canada’s allies in operations ranging from the Arctic to Antarctica.
Since the commissioning of the first AOPV, HMCS Harry DeWolf, in 2021, the fleet has demonstrated its operational prowess. The ships have participated in multiple deployments, including Operations CARIBBE, HORIZON, and NANOOK, as well as a historic circumnavigation of North America and a mission to Antarctica. The completion of the fleet with HMCS Robert Hampton Gray enhances the RCN’s ability to maintain a persistent presence in the Arctic, a region of growing strategic importance due to climate change and increasing international interest.
A Triumph for Canadian Industry
The delivery of the sixth AOPV underscores the success of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, which has revitalized the country’s shipbuilding industry while creating thousands of high-skilled jobs. The construction of the Harry DeWolf-class vessels at Halifax Shipyard has employed over 2,400 workers, contributing significantly to the local and national economy. The NSS has also facilitated the construction of two additional AOPVs for the Canadian Coast Guard, further strengthening Canada’s maritime capabilities.
The Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, hailed the delivery as a “proud milestone” for Canada, emphasizing the fleet’s role in asserting Arctic sovereignty and honouring Lieutenant Gray’s legacy. “Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Canada’s government is investing in the infrastructure and equipment our Navy needs to protect our sovereignty and conduct operations alongside allies,” McGuinty stated during the naming ceremony on August 9, 2025.
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the RCN, echoed this sentiment, noting that the Harry DeWolf-class has already proven its value in Arctic operations. “The naming of our sixth and final Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel is a proud milestone for the Royal Canadian Navy and our country,” Topshee said. “These ships represent a tremendous new capability for the RCN, allowing us to patrol and protect Canada’s North.”
Looking Ahead
The completion of the AOPV fleet marks a significant step in modernizing the RCN, but the work at Halifax Shipyard continues. Irving Shipbuilding is now transitioning to the construction of 15 River-class destroyers, with full-rate production set to begin in April 2025. This next phase of the NSS will further enhance Canada’s naval capabilities, ensuring the RCN remains equipped to address evolving security challenges in the Arctic and beyond.
HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, delivered ahead of schedule on August 21, 2025, is now undergoing final preparations for sea trials and will officially join the RCN fleet following its commissioning.