The future CCGS Donjek, the first of two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPVs) destined for the Canadian Coast Guard, has hit the water for the first time.
As per social media posts, on Tuesday Canadian shipbuilder Irving floated the new vessel off its barge in Bedford Basin, a large bay in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Canada’s Atlantic coast.
It noted: “The launch requires approximately 49 million litres of water to submerge the barge and set the ship afloat. This milestone is the culmination of thousands of hours of work by our team of over 2,400 shipbuilders.”
Both the future CCGS Donjek and her sister vessel, the future CCGS Sermilik, are named after Canadian glaciers. The C$2.1 billion (£1.15bn) programme should see Donjek delivered later this year and Sermilik completed and handed over during 2027.
The 103-metre vessels are 19 metres wide, and displace just over 6,650 metric tonnes. The Coast Guard AOPVs are being built to a slightly modified design compared to the six Harry DeWolf-class ships of the Royal Canadian Navy.
The CCGS ships will feature a different bridge layout and deck modifications, accommodation for non-military crew, and will carry additional dedicated coast guard equipment.
They will carry science equipment and an onboard medical facility, making them able to conduct scientific research and support humanitarian assistance missions.
A Canadian Government press statement said the CCGS ships will “be dedicated to a range of critical missions, including North Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) patrols and will operate as the primary conservation and protection enforcement vessels on Canada’s east coast, replacing existing Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) offshore patrol vessels.”
- You can read more details about the AOPVs on the Government of Canada website and on the Irving website