Arctic and offshore patrol ships: Canadian Coast Guard
The Arctic and offshore patrol ships (AOPS) will:
- be dedicated to a range of critical missions, including North Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) patrols
- operate as the primary conservation and protection enforcement vessels on Canada’s east coast, replacing existing Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) offshore patrol vessels
- have ice capable functionality that will allow the CCG to expand its patrol capability into the low Arctic
Arctic and offshore patrol ship—Canadian Coast Guard
Project at a glance
- Shipyard
-
Irving Shipbuilding Inc. (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
- Number of vessels to be built
-
2
- Project budget
-
$2.1 billion
- Expected vessel delivery
-
AOPS 7 in 2026 and AOPS 8 in 2027
Progress of the project
- May 2019: Government of Canada announced Irving Shipbuilding Inc. will build 2 additional AOPS, adapted for the CCG
- Often referred to as AOPS 7 and 8
- Part of investment to renew the CCG fleet
- November 1, 2019: Design contract for project awarded to Irving Shipbuilding Inc.
- June 2020: Preliminary design review completed
- Fall 2022: Final design review completed
- August 2023: Construction of AOPS 7 began, the future CCGS Donjek
- July 2024: Keel for AOPS 7 laid
- Construction of AOPS 8, the future CCGS Sermilik, began in July 2024. A steel cutting ceremony also took place
- November 2025: Keel for AOPS 8 laid
The year ahead
- Construction continues on AOPS 7 and 8, with launch and delivery of AOPS 7 expected in 2026
News
- Keel laid on Canadian Coast Guard’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, the CCGS Sermilik (November 6, 2025)
- Canadian Coast Guard celebrates new Arctic and offshore patrol ships shipbuilding milestones (July 31, 2024)
- Prime Minister announces renewal of Canadian Coast Guard fleet (May 21, 2019)
- Renewing Canadian Coast Guard fleet and supporting jobs in Atlantic Canada (May 22, 2019)
- Renewing Canadian Coast Guard fleet and delivering important services for Canadians (May 22, 2019)