Canada delivers fifth Arctic and offshore patrol ship HMCS Frederick Rolette to Royal Canadian Navy.

According to information published by Irving Shipbuilding on August 30, 2024, Royal Canadian Navy officially welcomed the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette into its fleet, marking the delivery of the fifth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) constructed at Halifax Shipyard.
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Royal Canadian Navy's Harry DeWolf class Frédérick Rolette. (Picture source: Irving Shipbuilding)

Following the ceremony, the HMCS Frédérick Rolette departed from Irving Shipbuilding's pier and made its way to the HMC Dockyard, its new home.

The HMCS Frédérick Rolette is the fifth of six AOPS planned for the Royal Canadian Navy, with Halifax Shipyard delivering one vessel per year. The final ship in the series is expected to be delivered by 2025. In addition, two more AOPS variants are being constructed for the Canadian Coast Guard, further underscoring Canada's commitment to enhancing its maritime presence in the Arctic and coastal waters.

Looking ahead, Irving Shipbuilding has already commenced work on the Production Test Module for the future River-class destroyers. This new class, consisting of 15 destroyer ships, is set to begin full-rate production in 2025 at Halifax, Nova Scotia.

About the ship

The future HMCS Frédérick Rolette is a testament to advanced naval engineering, measuring 103.6 meters in length and 19.0 meters in beam, with an operational speed of 17 knots in open water.

It is designed to operate with a complement of 65 crew members and an additional 20 embarked forces, boasting an endurance of 120 days and a range of 6,800 nautical miles at a speed of 14 knots.

The ship's capabilities are further enhanced by integrated diesel-electric power and propulsion, a bow thruster for precise maneuvering and berthing, retractable active fin stabilizers for roll reduction, and the capacity to operate and hangar a CH-148 Cyclone or small utility helicopter.

Geostrategic Importance of the Arctic

The strategic significance of the Arctic has grown considerably in recent years, with multiple nations, including Russia, the United States, China, and members of the European Union, recognizing the region’s potential economic and strategic value.

The Arctic is home to an estimated 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil and 30% of its natural gas, along with other valuable minerals. Moreover, new shipping routes, such as the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage, promise to reduce transit times between Asia and Europe, challenging traditional maritime routes and creating new economic opportunities and security challenges.