Irving Shipbuilding delivers 5th AOPS to the Royal Canadian Navy
Delivery of Future HMCS Frédérick Rolette Marks Progress in Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Program
Irving Shipbuilding has officially delivered the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette, the fifth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) constructed at Halifax Shipyard for the Royal Canadian Navy. This milestone was marked by a ceremony at the shipyard, where key figures, including Irving Shipbuilding President Dirk Lesko, Rear Admiral Josée Kurtz, and Commander Jolene Lisi, signed the ship’s documents. The event also featured the unveiling of the ship’s badge, which honors the legacy of Lieutenant Frédérick Rolette, a distinguished Canadian naval officer from the War of 1812.
The future HMCS Frédérick Rolette has since departed from Irving Shipbuilding’s pier to HMC Dockyard, signifying its readiness for integration into the Royal Canadian Navy. The ship is part of a series of six AOPS named after prominent Canadian naval figures, reflecting their significant contributions to the nation’s maritime history. These vessels are designed to enhance the Royal Canadian Navy’s operational capabilities, particularly in Arctic and offshore environments.
Halifax Shipyard is on track to deliver one AOPS per year until the final ship is completed in 2025. In addition to these naval vessels, two AOPS variants are currently under construction for the Canadian Coast Guard. Irving Shipbuilding has also initiated the Production Test Module for the upcoming River-class destroyers, with full-rate production scheduled to begin in 2025. This broader shipbuilding effort underscores the Canadian government’s commitment to bolstering naval readiness while supporting skilled jobs in the maritime industry.
