With the launch of the first of two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) being built at Irving Shipbuilding as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Canadian Coast Guard reached another milestone in its fleet renewal programme in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the end of April 2026.

The Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) „Donjek“ is intended in particular to expand the patrol and icebreaking capabilities of the coast guard. The planned tasks include fisheries protection, search and rescue operations as well as surveillance tasks off the Canadian east coast and in the Arctic. Thanks to modern communication systems and a flexible multi-purpose design, the ship can also support humanitarian aid missions, supply missions for remote communities as well as scientific and nautical tasks. The equipment includes an infirmary and modular accommodation.

With the new AOPS, Canada wants to strengthen its presence in its waters and ensure the operational capability of the Coast Guard along its extensive coastline. According to the Canadian Minister of Defence, this is an important step towards strengthening Canada's presence in the maritime region, particularly in the Arctic.

kdk, NavalNews