Canada Navy's takes delivery of Arctic and offshore patrol ship HMCS William Hall.

According to a PR published by Irving Shipbuilding on September 1, 2023, the Royal Canadian Navy took official delivery of the HMCS William Hall, the latest addition to the DeWolf Class as the fourth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS). This ship arrived two months ahead of the anticipated deadline.
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Arctic and offshore patrol ship HMCS William Hall. (Picture source: Royal Canadian Navy)

Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction of HMCS William Hall finished a staggering three months faster than its predecessor, the HMCS Max Bernays.

Technical data

The Offshore Patrol vessel has a displacement of 6,615 tons (6,511 long tons), a length of 103.6 meters (339 feet 11 inches), and a beam of 19 meters (62 feet 4 inches).

Built with the capability to handle icy waters, the vessel holds a Polar Class 5 ice rating, making it well-suited for challenging polar regions. Its propulsion relies on four MAN 6L32/44CR engines generating 4 × 3.6 MW, driving a diesel-electric system with two shafts, each producing 2 × 4.5 MW. The vessel can reach speeds of 17 knots (31 km/h; 20 mph) in open water and maintain a speed of 3 knots (5.6 km/h; 3.5 mph) even through 1-meter thick ice.

Impressive endurance is another asset, as the vessel boasts a range of 6,800 nautical miles (12,600 km; 7,800 miles) at a speed of 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph). Its versatility extends to mission capabilities with the inclusion of two 8.5-meter multi-role rescue boats and a 12-meter landing craft.

The vessel's array of sensors and systems includes SATCOM (Link 16), Multichannel VHF/HF Radio, Anti-missile detection systems, OSI Maritime Systems, Integrated Bridge Navigational System, Kelvin Hughes SharpEye X and S-band navigation radars, and SAGEM Damage/Machinery Control Systems.

The OPV is armed with a BAE Mk 38 25 mm gun and two M2 Browning machine guns. Her aviation facilities comprise an onboard hangar, allowing for the operation of aircraft such as the Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone, Bell CH-146 Griffon (RCAF), and/or CU-176 Gargoyle UAV. Furthermore, its vehicle bay is designed to accommodate pickup trucks, ATVs, and snowmobiles, enhancing its operational capabilities.