Irving Shipbuilding delivers 5th AOPS to the Royal Canadian Navy

Irving Shipbuilding press release

During a ceremony at Halifax Shipyard, Dirk Lesko, Irving Shipbuilding President; Rear Admiral Josée Kurtz, Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic Commander; and Commander Jolene Lisi, HMCS Frédérick Rolette Commanding Officer, signed the ship’s documents. The ceremony also recognized the unveiling of the ship’s badge, bearing the image of a heraldic sea-lion holding a sabre in honour of Frédérick Rolette.

Following the ceremony, the ship departed Irving Shipbuilding’s pier to move to HMC Dockyard.

The six AOPS are named to honour prominent Canadian naval figures who served their country with the highest distinction.

Lieutenant Frédérick Rolette was a Canadian-born officer who served in the Provincial Marine of Upper Canada and distinguished himself during the War of 1812. When the war ended, Rolette returned to a hero’s welcome in Québec City and was presented a fifty-guinea sword of honour in recognition of his service. The historical Canton of Rolette, Québec was established in 1868 in his honour.

Halifax Shipyard will deliver one AOPS per year to the Royal Canadian Navy ending with the sixth ship in 2025. A further two AOPS variants are under construction for the Canadian Coast Guard. In July, Irving Shipbuilding began construction on the Production Test Module for the future River-class destroyers, on schedule to begin full-rate production in 2025. The River-class will be comprised of 15 destroyer ships built in Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

“The delivery of the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette today, four months ahead of schedule, and more than a year faster than the prior ship is something we can all be proud of. Every member of the Irving Shipbuilding team is committed to delivering a quality product for the Royal Canadian Navy. This ship will serve Canada well for many years to come.”

Dirk Lesko, President, Irving Shipbuilding

“Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, our government is committed to providing members of the Royal Canadian Navy with the equipment they need to accomplish the difficult tasks we ask of them every day, while creating skilled jobs in our shipbuilding and marine industries across the country. Today’s delivery of the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette, the fifth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, is an important step toward ensuring the Royal Canadian Navy’s future operational readiness.”

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

“The delivery of our fifth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette, brings the Royal Canadian Navy one step closer to completing Canada’s AOPV fleet. These ships bring an incredible capability to the RCN, allowing us to patrol and protect Canada’s North. I would like to recognize the important work of our shipbuilders at Irving Shipbuilding, and all Canadian Shipyards who continue to build and deliver modern and capable ships to our sailors.”

Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.

“AOPS 5, the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette, demonstrates the world class shipbuilding capability we have established here in Atlantic Canada.”

Parker Larson, Vice President of Programs, Irving Shipbuilding

Characteristics of the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette

• Length: 103.6 metres
• Beam: 19.0 metres
• Speed (open water): 17 knots
• Complement: 65 crew + 20 embarked forces
• Endurance: 120 days
• Range: 6,800 nautical miles at 14 knots
• Integrated diesel-electric power and propulsion
• Bow thruster for maneuvering and berthing without tug assistance
• Retractable active fin stabilizers for roll reduction
• Ability to operate and hangar a CH-148 Cyclone or small utility helicopter

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