Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessel#Project history
{{Short description|Class of Offshore Patrol Vessels}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessels are warships of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) built within the Government of Canada Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) procurement project, part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy. In July 2007 the federal government announced plans for acquiring six to eight icebreaking warships for the RCN.{{cite web | url=http://www.casr.ca/doc-dnd-icebreaker.htm | title=Dep't of National Defence / Canadian Forces News Release Armed Naval Icebreakers – the Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships | date=10 July 2007 | publisher=Canadian American Strategic Review | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080824025527/http://www.casr.ca/doc-dnd-icebreaker.htm | archive-date=24 August 2008 | access-date=17 January 2015 | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://www.casr.ca/bg-icebreaker-aops-aker.htm | title=Background — AOPS Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship Icebreaker | date=April 2009 | publisher=Canadian American Strategic Review | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412142008/http://www.casr.ca/bg-icebreaker-aops-aker.htm | archive-date=12 April 2009 | access-date=17 January 2015 | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://www.casr.ca/doc-news-aops-definition.htm | title=Defining and Managing the Canadian Forces Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship Project | date=June 2008 | publisher=Canadian American Strategic Review | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080824153623/http://www.casr.ca/doc-news-aops-definition.htm | archive-date=24 August 2008 | access-date=17 January 2015 | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://www.casr.ca/doc-dnd-icebreaker-tsor.htm | title=Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship — Proposed Ship Capabilities & Technical Statement of Operational Requirement Features | publisher=Canadian American Strategic Review | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080824153617/http://www.casr.ca/doc-dnd-icebreaker-tsor.htm | archive-date=24 August 2008 | access-date=17 January 2015 | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://www.casr.ca/bg-icebreaker-aops.htm | title=Background – Armed Naval Icebreaker / Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship | publisher=Canadian American Strategic Review | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080824025506/http://www.casr.ca/bg-icebreaker-aops.htm | archive-date=24 August 2008 | access-date=17 January 2015 | url-status=dead }}{{cite news | url = http://www.casr.ca/mp-opv-for-aops.htm | title = A Pregnant Pause? The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy Presents an Opportunity to Shift Priorities to Sovereignty Assertion: A Modest Proposal | publisher = Canadian American Strategic Review | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110401110510/http://www.casr.ca/mp-opv-for-aops.htm | archive-date = 1 April 2011 | date = June 2010 | quote = Limited as an icebreaker, critics have disparaged AOPS as 'slush breakers' of limited utility. As offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), AOPS are burdened with the vast weight of icebreaking hulls unnecessary for that role. Carrying that extra bulk around in temperate seas mean that AOPS will be relatively slow while fuel costs and similar operating expenses are very high. | first = Stephen | last = Daly | access-date = 17 January 2015 | url-status = dead }}{{cite web| url=http://content.yudu.com/A15e3n/WTMar09/resources/12.htm| title=Arctic patrol ship could have double acting hullform| publisher=Warship Technology| date=March 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009124353/http://content.yudu.com/A15e3n/WTMar09/resources/12.htm| archive-date=9 October 2012| url-status=dead}}
The vessels are modelled on the Norwegian Coast Guard {{ship|NoCGV|Svalbard}} and as of 2007 were projected to cost {{CAD|3.5 billion|link=yes}} to construct with a total project procurement budgeted to cost $4.3 billion in order to cover maintenance over the 25-year lifespan of the vessels.{{cite news | url=https://www.thestar.com/article/234195 | title=Arctic issues make for good politics | date=10 July 2007 | first=James | last=Travers | work=Toronto Star | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204022744/http://www.thestar.com/article/234195 | archive-date=4 February 2013 | access-date=17 January 2015 | url-status=dead }} In 2018 it was reported that the cost of the first six ships had increased by $810 million over previous projections. In 2023 it was reported that the cost for the first six ships had increased by a further $780 million and that of the two envisaged vessels for the Coast Guard by an additional $100 million.{{cite web |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/cost-of-new-arctic-patrol-ships-jumps-by-780-million |title=Cost of new Arctic patrol ships jumps by $780 million |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Pugliese |first=David |date=5 January 2023 |access-date=5 January 2023}}
The lead ship of the class was announced as {{HMCS|Harry DeWolf||2}} in September 2014, and four additional ships were named in 2015. Construction of the ships Harry DeWolf and {{HMCS|Margaret Brooke||2}} started at the Halifax Shipyards in September 2015 and September 2016, respectively. Harry DeWolf and Margaret Brooke were originally planned to be delivered in 2019 and 2020 respectively.{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/procurement/arctic-offshore-patrol-ships.html |title=Arctic and offshore patrol ships |date=13 March 2013 |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=22 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503112636/https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/procurement/arctic-offshore-patrol-ships.html |archive-date=3 May 2019 |url-status=live}} Harry DeWolf was officially launched on 15 September 2018.{{cite web |url=http://shipsforcanada.ca/our-stories/halifax-shipyard-launches-canadas-lead-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-vessel |title=Halifax Shipyard launches Canada's lead Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel |publisher=Irving Halifax Shipyard |access-date=17 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916235744/http://shipsforcanada.ca/our-stories/halifax-shipyard-launches-canadas-lead-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-vessel |archive-date=16 September 2018 |url-status=live }} Margaret Brooke was launched on 10 November 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/halifax-shipyard-launches-second-aops-ship-for-canadian-navy/ |title=Halifax Shipyard launches second AOPS ship for Canadian Navy |work=naval-technology.com |date=12 November 2019 |access-date=11 August 2020 |archive-date=23 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923022432/https://www.naval-technology.com/news/halifax-shipyard-launches-second-aops-ship-for-canadian-navy/ |url-status=live }} {{HMCS|Max Bernays||2}} began construction in December 2017 and {{HMCS|William Hall||2}} was also planned to begin in 2017, although construction was delayed to early 2019. Max Bernays was launched in October 2021, and was followed by William Hall in 2022.{{Cite web |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/october/10894-irving-shipbuilding-launches-future-hmcs-max-bernays-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-ship-for-canadian-navy.html |title=Irving Shipbuilding launches future HMCS Max Bernays Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship for Canadian Navy |access-date=24 October 2021 |archive-date=24 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024125709/https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/october/10894-irving-shipbuilding-launches-future-hmcs-max-bernays-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-ship-for-canadian-navy.html |url-status=live }} {{HMCS|Frédérick Rolette||2}} was scheduled to begin construction in 2019, with construction on {{HMCS|Robert Hampton Gray||2}} expected to begin in 2021. They were originally planned to be completed by 2022 and 2023, respectively.{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/shipbuilding/ | work=CBC News | title=New ships for navy, coast guard | date=13 November 2013 | access-date=17 January 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108135733/http://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/shipbuilding/ | archive-date=8 January 2015 | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/first-new-arctic-offshore-patrol-ship-to-be-named-hmcs-harry-dewolf-1.2771334 | work=CBC News | title=First new Arctic offshore patrol ship to be named HMCS Harry DeWolf | date=19 September 2014 | access-date=17 January 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141201094230/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/first-new-arctic-offshore-patrol-ship-to-be-named-hmcs-harry-dewolf-1.2771334 | archive-date=1 December 2014 | url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/irving-shipyard-arctic-patrol-third-ship-1.4456468 |title=Construction begins on 3rd Arctic patrol vessel at Halifax Shipyard |work=CBC News |last=Doucette |first=Keith |agency=The Canadian Press |date=19 December 2017 |access-date=31 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228025623/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/irving-shipyard-arctic-patrol-third-ship-1.4456468 |archive-date=28 December 2017 |url-status=live }} However, in 2020 it was confirmed that ships five and six (Frédérick Rolette and Robert Hampton Gray) would not begin construction until 2021 and 2022 respectively.{{cite web |url=https://www.miragenews.com/canada-receives-first-new-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-ship/ |title=Canada receives first new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship |work=Mirage News |date=1 August 2020 |access-date=11 August 2020 |archive-date=6 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106215836/https://www.miragenews.com/canada-receives-first-new-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-ship/ |url-status=live }}
On 22 May 2019, an official announcement was made to begin the process of building two vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard, bringing the total number of ships in the class to eight.{{cite web |url=https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/coast-guard-to-get-two-new-arctic-patrol-ships/ |title=Coast Guard to get two new Arctic patrol ships |work=Nunatsiaq News |date=22 May 2019 |access-date=11 August 2020 |archive-date=13 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813081623/https://nunatsiaq.com/stories/article/coast-guard-to-get-two-new-arctic-patrol-ships/ |url-status=live }}
Project history
In 2006 Prime Minister Stephen Harper had spoken about building three to four icebreakers capable of travelling through thick ice in the Arctic Ocean.{{cite news | url=http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/mini/CTVNews/20060218/tory_defence_plan_060218?s_name=beijing2008&no_ads= | title=Tories' ambitious defence plan needs more money | date=18 February 2006 | publisher=CTV News | archive-url=https://archive.today/20090510013557/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/mini/CTVNews/20060218/tory_defence_plan_060218?s_name=beijing2008&no_ads= | archive-date=10 May 2009 | access-date=17 January 2015 | url-status=dead }}{{cite news| url=http://www.casr.ca/ft-harper1-2.htm| title=Stephen Harper announces the new defence policy put forward by the Conservative Party of Canada – Pt 2| date=22 December 2005| first1=Diane| last1=DeMille| first2=Stephen| last2=Priestley| publisher=Canadian American Strategic Review| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925184608/http://www.casr.ca/ft-harper1-2.htm| archive-date=25 September 2008| access-date=17 January 2015| url-status=dead}}{{cite news | url=http://www.casr.ca/id-iqaluitport3.htm | title=Armed Icebreakers and Arctic Ports for Canada's North? Costing Three New Canadian Heavy Armed Icebreakers | date=April 2006 | first=Stephen | last=Priestley | publisher=Canadian American Strategic Review | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925184614/http://www.casr.ca/id-iqaluitport3.htm | archive-date=25 September 2008 | access-date=17 January 2015 | url-status=dead }} In 2007 it was announced that the Canadian Armed Forces would purchase six to eight patrol ships having an ice class of Polar Class 5, meaning that they were capable of limited icebreaking,{{cite web| url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/view-news-afficher-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=2403| title=Speaking Notes for The Honourable Gordon J. O'Connor, PC, MP Minister of National Defence| date=9 July 2007| first=Gordon J.| last=O'Connor| publisher=Ministry of National Defence| archive-url=https://archive.today/20120803124725/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/view-news-afficher-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=2403| archive-date=3 August 2012| access-date=17 January 2015| url-status=dead}} based on the Norwegian Svalbard class. This announcement was met with some controversy, and the proposed ships have been called "slush-breakers", by Dr. Gary Stern, a scientist aboard {{ship|CCGS|Amundsen}}, and Jack Layton of the NDP.{{cite news|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/story/4132923p-4725670c.html |title=Red Amundsen our flag in white Arctic |work=Winnipeg Free Press |first=Bartley |last=Kives |date=28 February 2008 |access-date=1 March 2008 }}{{dead link|date=May 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://newspaperarchive.com/ca/manitoba/winnipeg/winnipeg-free-press/2008/02-27/page-6 Alt URL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092149/http://newspaperarchive.com/ca/manitoba/winnipeg/winnipeg-free-press/2008/02-27/page-6 |date=4 March 2016 }}{{cite news| url=https://www.ndp.ca/platform/otherpriorities/thenorth| title=Canadian Sovereignty| publisher=New Democratic Party| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930222033/http://www.ndp.ca/platform/otherpriorities/thenorth| archive-date=30 September 2008| url-status=dead}} However, it was notable that in 2005 of the nineteen Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers then in service, only six had an ice class higher than Polar Class 5.{{cite news| url=https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:7tY2B2dGlOgJ:nparc.cisti-icist.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/npsi/ctrl%3Faction%3Drtdoc%26an%3D12327011%26article%3D0%26lang%3Den+CCG+icebreaker+CAC&hl=en&gl=fr&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESiK83P9mG08QZVnXsP9jUAEIBq4lHwRjNFDWJtMbzVuhrKtMUysK2Py1Sj5BGzKqcdn9DO4-rgopfU7TeesOGvy42D8YyJyP4saG4kukzCP1pA-ZqahT7tODqyV072FuQa9mFNb&sig=AHIEtbSRFnNDroKXvEcBV89nXb3g9FnQZQ| title=Integration of Polar Classes and Arctic Ice Regime Shipping System| publisher=NRC-CNRC| last=Kendrick |first=A.| date=March 2005| access-date=14 June 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224022315/https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache%3A7tY2B2dGlOgJ%3Anparc.cisti-icist.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca%2Fnpsi%2Fctrl%3Faction%3Drtdoc%26an%3D12327011%26article%3D0%26lang%3Den+CCG+icebreaker+CAC&hl=en&gl=fr&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESiK83P9mG08QZVnXsP9jUAEIBq4lHwRjNFDWJtMbzVuhrKtMUysK2Py1Sj5BGzKqcdn9DO4-rgopfU7TeesOGvy42D8YyJyP4saG4kukzCP1pA-ZqahT7tODqyV072FuQa9mFNb&sig=AHIEtbSRFnNDroKXvEcBV89nXb3g9FnQZQ| archive-date=24 December 2013| url-status=dead| df=dmy-all}}
In 2010 the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship Project was grouped with several other federal government ship procurement projects for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard into the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS). The NSPS announced on 19 October 2011 that Irving Shipbuilding would be awarded the $25 billion contract to build six to eight Arctic patrol ships as well as fifteen other warships for the RCN over the next two decades.{{cite news | url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/1072710--two-winners-and-one-big-loser-in-contest-to-build-military-ships | title=Two winners and one big loser in contest to build military ships | last=Woods | first=Allan | location=Toronto | work=The Star | date=19 October 2011 | access-date=17 January 2015 | archive-date=31 October 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031161112/https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2011/10/19/two_winners_and_one_big_loser_in_contest_to_build_military_ships.html | url-status=live }}
File:KV Svalbard.jpg vessel {{ship|NoCGV|Svalbard}}, on which the Harry DeWolf class design is modelled]]
In September 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that the name of the first ship in the class would be Harry DeWolf, named in honour of wartime Canadian naval hero Harry DeWolf, and that the class would be named the Harry DeWolf class.{{cite web |url=http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2014/09/18/pm-announces-name-first-royal-canadian-navys-arcticoffshore-patrol-ships |title=PM announces the name of the first of the Royal Canadian Navy's Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships |publisher=Prime Minister of Canada |date=18 September 2014 |access-date=17 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140922072946/http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2014/09/18/pm-announces-name-first-royal-canadian-navys-arcticoffshore-patrol-ships |archive-date=22 September 2014 }} In December it was found that not enough money had been projected to cover the cost of building the six to eight planned ships and that the budget would need to be increased, delaying the signing of the contract.{{cite news |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/dnd-to-go-to-treasury-board-for-more-money-for-arctic-offshore-patrol-ships |title=DND to go to Treasury Board for more money for Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships |last=Pugliese |first=David |work=Defence Watch |publisher=Ottawa Citizen |date=4 December 2014 |access-date=17 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205210106/http://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/dnd-to-go-to-treasury-board-for-more-money-for-arctic-offshore-patrol-ships |archive-date=5 December 2014 |url-status=live }} However, in an effort to drive down costs, Irving Shipbuilding could only project building five ships with the option to build a sixth only if it came under budget. The budget for the project was increased from $3.1 billion to $3.5 billion to ensure a cash buffer.{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-s-navy-to-get-5-or-6-arctic-ships-not-8-1.2913159 |title=Canada's navy to get 5 or 6 Arctic ships, not 8 |last=Cudmore |first=James |work=CBC News |date=16 January 2015 |access-date=17 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117082602/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-s-navy-to-get-5-or-6-arctic-ships-not-8-1.2913159 |archive-date=17 January 2015 |url-status=live }} However, by 2018 that approach had been abandoned and the budget for the first six ships had reportedly increased to $4.3 billion.{{Cite web |url=https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/news/local/sixth-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-ship-about-readiness-not-fairness-experts-say-256850/ |title=Sixth Arctic and offshore patrol ship about readiness, not fairness, experts say |last=Gunn |first=Andrea |work=The Chronicle Herald |date=6 November 2018 |access-date=28 February 2021 |archive-date=14 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114043041/https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/news/local/sixth-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-ship-about-readiness-not-fairness-experts-say-256850/ |url-status=live }}
On 13 April 2015 the government announced a second ship would be named Margaret Brooke in honour of Sub-Lieutenant Margaret Brooke, a Royal Canadian Navy Nursing Sister decorated for heroism for her efforts to save a fellow nursing sister after the sinking of the ferry {{SS|Caribou}} during World War II.{{cite press release |url=http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=962499&tp=1 |title=New Royal Canadian Navy ship to be named after naval hero of SS Caribou sinking |publisher=Government of Canada |date=13 April 2015 |access-date=13 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414035932/http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=962499&tp=1 |archive-date=14 April 2015 |url-status=live }} The third ship will be named Max Bernays for Chief Petty Officer Max Bernays who served aboard {{HMCS|Assiniboine|I18|6}} during the Second World War and was decorated for his actions during the sinking of the {{GS|U-210}}.{{cite news |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/arctic-offshore-patrol-ship-named-after-naval-hero |title=Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship named after naval hero |work=Defence Watch |publisher=Ottawa Citizen |last=Pugliese |first=David |date=26 May 2015 |access-date=27 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527195213/http://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/arctic-offshore-patrol-ship-named-after-naval-hero |archive-date=27 May 2015 |url-status=live }} The fourth ship will be named for William Hall, a Victoria Cross (VC) recipient from Nova Scotia and the first black person to be awarded the VC, for his actions during the Siege of Lucknow.{{cite news |url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/navy-s-new-patrol-ship-named-after-wolfville-naval-hero-william-hall-1.2442411 |title=Navy's new patrol ship named after Wolfville naval hero William Hall |work=CTV News |agency=Canadian Press |date=26 June 2015 |access-date=27 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627152616/http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/navy-s-new-patrol-ship-named-after-wolfville-naval-hero-william-hall-1.2442411 |archive-date=27 June 2015 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/metro/1295674-new-naval-ship-to-be-named-for-william-hall |title=New naval ship to be named for William Hall |work=Chronicle Herald |last=Mellor |first=Clare |date=26 June 2015 |access-date=27 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630041801/http://thechronicleherald.ca/metro/1295674-new-naval-ship-to-be-named-for-william-hall |archive-date=30 June 2015 |url-status=live }} The fifth ship will be named for Frédérick Rolette, a French-Canadian sailor of Canada's Provincial Marine under the Royal Navy who, during the War of 1812, was second-in-command of the ship {{USS|Lady Prevost|1812|2}} at the Battle of Lake Erie, and led the capture of the American supply vessel Cayahoga Packet, in July 1812, an action instrumental in contributing to the capture of Detroit one month later.{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/hmcs-fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9rick-rolette-name-of-navy-s-new-arctic-patrol-ship-1.3155129 |title=HMCS Frédérick Rolette name of navy's new Arctic patrol ship |work=CBC News |date=16 July 2015 |access-date=17 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717193943/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/hmcs-fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9rick-rolette-name-of-navy-s-new-arctic-patrol-ship-1.3155129 |archive-date=17 July 2015 |url-status=live }}
On 2 November 2018, the option for the sixth ship was taken up.{{cite news | url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/ottawa-arctic-patrol-ship-will-be-built-in-halifax-navy-1.4888848 | work=CBC News | title=Ottawa buys another Arctic and offshore patrol ship to be built in Halifax | date=2 November 2018 | access-date=2 November 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102122008/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/ottawa-arctic-patrol-ship-will-be-built-in-halifax-navy-1.4888848 | archive-date=2 November 2018 | url-status=live }} In 2020 it was confirmed that the sixth ship would be named for Robert Hampton Gray, posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry during World War II while serving with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm in the Pacific theatre.{{cite web |url=https://www.miragenews.com/sixth-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-ship-to-be-named-in-honour-of-canadian-naval-hero-robert-hampton-gray/ |title=Sixth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship to be named in honour of Canadian naval hero, Robert Hampton Gray |work=Mirage News |date=11 August 2020 |access-date=11 August 2020 |archive-date=6 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106215838/https://www.miragenews.com/sixth-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-ship-to-be-named-in-honour-of-canadian-naval-hero-robert-hampton-gray/ |url-status=live }} The cost of the sixth vessel is expected to be higher due to the tariffs on steel and aluminum imposed by both Canada and the United States.{{cite web |url=https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/news/local/steel-costs-for-sixth-patrol-vessel-could-be-steeper-257534/ |title=Steel costs for sixth patrol vessel could be steeper |work=Halifax Chronicle Herald |last=Gunn |first=Andrea |date=7 November 2018 |access-date=28 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181228130117/https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/news/local/steel-costs-for-sixth-patrol-vessel-could-be-steeper-257534/ |archive-date=28 December 2018 |url-status=live }}
On 22 May 2019, it was announced that two more ships would be built for the Canadian Coast Guard.{{cite web | url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/liberals-buy-arctic-trips-1.5144367 | title = Federal government to buy two more Arctic ships from Irving to prevent layoffs | date = 21 May 2019 | first = Lee | last = Berthiaume | work = CBC News | access-date = 22 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190522031410/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/liberals-buy-arctic-trips-1.5144367 | archive-date = 22 May 2019 | url-status = live }}
The Fall 2022 Special Edition of the Maritime Engineering Journal (No. 102) was dedicated to a comprehensive review of the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship project with the subtitle: An insider's look at the Royal Canadian Navy's new capability.{{Cite web |title=Maritime Engineering Journal No. 102 – Fall 2022 |url=https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/dnd-mdn/documents/mej/42-071-maritime-engineering-journal-102.pdf}}
=Construction=
File:2022-08-14 01 HMCS WILLIAM HALL (AOPV 433) - IMO 4702539 - under construction.jpg
On 18 June 2015 it was reported that the construction of test modules for the lead ship of the class Harry DeWolf was underway.{{cite news |url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/1293835-arctic-patrol-vessels-%E2%80%98really-have-started%E2%80%99-construction-says-irving-president |title=Arctic patrol vessels 'really have started' construction, says Irving president |work=Chronicle Herald |last=Brooks |first=Patricia |date=18 June 2015 |access-date=27 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619174616/http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/1293835-arctic-patrol-vessels-%E2%80%98really-have-started%E2%80%99-construction-says-irving-president |archive-date=19 June 2015 |url-status=live }} The first sections of keel were placed on 11 March 2016, but the official laying of the keel of Harry DeWolf was held on 9 June 2016, marking the first naval construction in Canada since 1998,{{cite web |url=http://shipsforcanada.ca/timeline |title=Timeline |publisher=Irving Shipyards |date=2016 |access-date=20 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220213110/http://shipsforcanada.ca/timeline |archive-date=20 December 2016}}{{cite news |url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/1371504-irving-royal-canadian-navy-celebrate-construction-milestone-with-wolf-coin |title=Irving, Royal Canadian Navy celebrate construction milestone with wolf coin |last=Gunn |first=Andrea |newspaper=Chronicle Herald |date=10 June 2016 |access-date=28 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002070724/http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/1371504-irving-royal-canadian-navy-celebrate-construction-milestone-with-wolf-coin |archive-date=2 October 2016 |url-status=live }} and the largest purposefully-built warship for the RCN in over 50 years. In September 2016, it was announced that construction had begun on Margaret Brooke and that 50 of 64 modular pieces of Harry DeWolf had been completed.{{cite news |url=http://globalnews.ca/news/2925496/first-arctic-patrol-ship-by-irving-is-a-significant-challenge-president/ |title=First Arctic patrol ship by Irving is a 'significant challenge': president |newspaper=Global News |agency=The Canadian Press |date=7 September 2016 |access-date=9 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908231625/http://globalnews.ca/news/2925496/first-arctic-patrol-ship-by-irving-is-a-significant-challenge-president/ |archive-date=8 September 2016 |url-status=live }} On 8 December 2017, the three main sections of Harry DeWolf were fitted into place.{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/arctic-patrol-ship-halifax-shipyard-1.4440987 |title=First Arctic patrol ship clicks into place at Halifax Shipyard |work=CBC News |agency=The Canadian Press |date=8 December 2017 |access-date=9 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209142611/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/arctic-patrol-ship-halifax-shipyard-1.4440987 |archive-date=9 December 2017 |url-status=live }} The first steel for Max Bernays was cut on 19 December 2017.{{cite news |url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/metro/1530732-procurement-minister-cuts-first-steel-for-third-arctic-patrol-vessel |title=Procurement minister cuts first steel for third Arctic patrol vessel |agency=The Canadian Press |newspaper=Chronicle Herald |date=19 December 2017 |access-date=21 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051432/http://thechronicleherald.ca/metro/1530732-procurement-minister-cuts-first-steel-for-third-arctic-patrol-vessel |archive-date=22 December 2017 |url-status=dead }} Construction of William Hall started on 3 May 2019.{{cite press release |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2019/05/minister-sajjan-marks-the-start-of-construction-for-the-fourth-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-ship.html |title=Minister Sajjan marks the start of construction for the fourth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship |publisher=Government of Canada |date=3 May 2019 |access-date=3 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503112628/https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2019/05/minister-sajjan-marks-the-start-of-construction-for-the-fourth-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-ship.html |archive-date=3 May 2019 |url-status=live }} Margaret Brooke was launched on 10 November 2019.{{cite press release |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/11/10/1944417/0/en/Halifax-Shipyard-launches-Canada-s-second-Arctic-and-Offshore-Patrol-Ship.html |title=Halifax Shipyard launches Canada's second Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship |publisher=Irving Shipbuilding |date=10 November 2019 |access-date=13 November 2019 |via=Globe Newswire |archive-date=13 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113205134/https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/11/10/1944417/0/en/Halifax-Shipyard-launches-Canada-s-second-Arctic-and-Offshore-Patrol-Ship.html |url-status=live }} First steel was cut for the fifth ship, Frédérick Rolette, in May 2021{{cite press release |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/05/20/2233650/0/en/Production-of-Canada-s-Fifth-Arctic-and-Offshore-Patrol-Ship-Underway-With-Cutting-of-First-Steel-for-the-Future-HMCS-Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9rick-Rolette.html |title=Production of Canada's Fifth Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship Underway With Cutting of First Steel for the Future HMCS Frédérick Rolette |publisher=Irving Shipbuilding |date=20 May 2021 |access-date=16 July 2021 |url-status=live |via=Globe Newswire |archive-date=21 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521225704/https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/05/20/2233650/0/en/Production-of-Canada-s-Fifth-Arctic-and-Offshore-Patrol-Ship-Underway-With-Cutting-of-First-Steel-for-the-Future-HMCS-Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9rick-Rolette.html }} and for sixth ship, Robert Hampton Gray, in August 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/08/15/2498462/0/en/Production-of-Canada-s-Sixth-and-Final-Arctic-and-Offshore-Patrol-Ship-for-the-Royal-Canadian-Navy-Underway-with-Cutting-of-First-Steel-for-the-Future-HMCS-Robert-Hampton-Gray.html|title=Production of Canada's Sixth and Final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship for the Royal Canadian Navy Underway with Cutting of First Steel for the Future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray|publisher=GlobeNewswire|date=15 August 2022|accessdate=16 August 2022}}
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Irving Shipbuilding announced that construction would be halted for at least three weeks beginning in March 2020.{{cite web |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/construction-of-new-arctic-ships-maintenance-of-frigates-halted-because-of-covid-19/ |title=Construction of new Arctic ships, maintenance of frigates halted because of COVID-19 |last=Pugliese |first=David |work=Ottawa Citizen |date=19 March 2020 |access-date=29 March 2020 |archive-date=29 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329203519/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/construction-of-new-arctic-ships-maintenance-of-frigates-halted-because-of-covid-19/ |url-status=live }} Harry DeWolf was delivered to the Navy in July 2020, and commissioned on 26 June 2021. Margaret Brooke was delivered on 15 July 2021 and commissioned on 28 October 2022. The two Coast Guard AOPS variants (ships seven and eight) were expected to begin construction in 2022 and 2023. In January 2023, it was announced that work on the additional ships would begin in the course of 2023.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/arctic-offshore-patrol-vessels-irving-ottawa-deal-1.6703756 |title=Irving, Ottawa finalize deal for new coast guard ships |work=CBC News |last=Gale |first=Kimberly |date=4 January 2023 |access-date=6 January 2022}}
On 9 December, 2024, the sixth and final ship, Robert Hampton Gray, was launched at Halifax Shipyard.
== Potable water contamination ==
In December 2022, it was discovered that the potable water systems of all the delivered and launched ships had suspected lead contamination from fittings and valves that were manufactured from alloys that exceeded the allowable amount of lead. The ships affected by the contamination were Harry DeWolf, Margaret Brooke, and Max Bernays. William Hall would be tested for the contamination after the completion of construction.{{cite web |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/sailors-provided-with-bottled-water-after-lead-contamination-concerns-on-new-arctic-patrol-ships |title=Sailors provided with bottled water after lead contamination concerns on new Arctic patrol ships |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Pugliese |first=David |date=15 December 2022 |access-date=16 December 2022}}
=Criticism=
The Harry DeWolf class has been criticized for its design and effectiveness, as critics believe that the class is ineffective in its designated role of Arctic and offshore patrol. Some criticism focuses on the fact that the ships are slow and, compared to the similarly sized Russian Project 23550 patrol ships armed with 3M-54 Kalibr anti-ship missiles, underarmed. However, others believe that the ships' capabilities are sufficient given their largely constabulary mission, and are in line with existing naval and coast guard vessels of other Arctic nations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.overtdefense.com/2021/06/24/royal-canadian-navy-to-commission-hmcs-harry-dewolf/|title=Royal Canadian Navy to Commission HMCS Harry DeWolf - Overt Defense|date=24 June 2021|access-date=1 December 2021}}
In April 2013, the Rideau Institute and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives released a report on the proposed AOPS. The report was written by UBC Professor Michael Byers and Stewart Webb. The report's conclusion was that Canada would be better suited to have purpose-built ships, namely icebreakers for the Arctic and offshore patrol vessels for the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/arctic-patrol-ship-plan-headed-for-disaster-says-report-1.1312191 |title=Arctic patrol ship headed for "disaster", says report |location=Ottawa |date=11 April 2013 |access-date=17 January 2015 |work=CBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823091843/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/story/2013/04/11/north-arctic-patrol-ship-plan-disaster.html |archive-date=23 August 2013 |url-status=live }}
In May 2013, the CBC reported that the cost of the design phase of the project was many times what other countries paid for design, construction, and full-up operational deployment of similar ships. The projected design cost of the AOPS, $288 million, was compared primarily to the Norwegian icebreaking offshore patrol vessel Svalbard that was designed and built for less than $100 million in 2002, and whose basic design documentation package was purchased by Canada for $5 million. Shipbuilding experts interviewed by CBC estimated that the design cost of the AOPS should have been $10–20 million even if accounting for cost of adapting the Norwegian design to Canadian service.{{cite news |work= CBC News |url= https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/shipbuilding-contract-holds-250m-mystery-1.1300816 |title= Shipbuilding contract holds $250M mystery |first= Terry |last= Milewski |date= 2 May 2013 |access-date= 17 January 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130907233618/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/05/02/pol-milewski-shipbuilding-design-mystery.html |archive-date= 7 September 2013 |url-status= live }} The $288 million design cost was further compared to two European offshore patrol vessel classes that, while significantly cheaper to design and build, have only one third of the AOPS' displacement. Furthermore, the Danish {{sclass|Knud Rasmussen|patrol vessel|4}} has much lower ice-going capability than the AOPS and the Irish {{sclass|Samuel Beckett|offshore patrol vessel|4}} is not ice-capable at all.{{cite web |first=Les |last=Mader |title=NSS - Needed: More Facts - Less Hyperbole |work=Canadian Naval Review – Broadsides Discussion Forum |date=9 August 2022 |url=https://www.navalreview.ca/2022/08/nss-needed-more-facts-less-hyperbole/ |access-date=21 October 2022}} Additionally, the AOPS have far more significant aviation capabilities than either the Danish or Irish ships.
=Future developments=
As the Harry Dewolf-class ships started to enter service, comments appeared in Canadian professional military journals suggesting that they might be useful as small amphibious ships carrying up to 50 to 60 soldiers/marine infantry into the Arctic.{{cite magazine |first=Brian K. |last=Wentzell |title=Arctic Amphibious Capabilities for Canada? |magazine=Canadian Naval Review |volume=15 |number=2 |date=2019 |editor-first=Ann L. |editor-last=Griffiths |pages=34–37 |location=Antigonish, Nova Scotia |publisher=St Francis Xavier University |url=https://www.navalreview.ca/wp-content/uploads/CNR_pdf_full/cnr_vol15_2.pdf |access-date=27 January 2021 |archive-date=3 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203105231/https://www.navalreview.ca/wp-content/uploads/CNR_pdf_full/cnr_vol15_2.pdf |url-status=live }} and {{cite journal |first=Les |last=Mader |title=3rd Special Service Force: A Paratroop/Marine Infantry Arctic Contingency Force For Canada? |journal=The Canadian Army Journal |volume=19 |issue=2 |pages=70–75 |url=https://www.army.gc.ca/assets/ARMY_Internet/docs/en/canadian-army-journal/caj-19-2-en.pdf |access-date=1 January 2022 |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127123026/http://army.gc.ca/assets/ARMY_Internet/docs/en/canadian-army-journal/caj-19-2-en.pdf |url-status=dead }}
A 2024 defence policy report included the intent to purchase ocean surveillance sensors for the ships.{{cite report |title=Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada's Defence |url=https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/dnd-mdn/documents/corporate/reports-publications/2024/north-strong-free-2024-v2.pdf |website=Government of Canada |date=2024 |access-date=15 June 2024 |isbn=978-0-660-71262-8 |page=25}}
= Northern affiliations =
In 2017, the decision was made to have each of the six ships affiliate with one of the six Inuit regions in Northern Canada; Qikiqtaaluk, Kitikmeot, Kivalliq, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, and Inuvialuit. These affiliations are meant to build connections with Inuit communities where the Harry DeWolf class serve.{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/fleet-units/surface/harry-dewolf-class/harry-dewolf-class-northern-affiliation.html |publisher=Government of Canada |title=Harry DeWolf class Northern Affiliation |date=21 March 2023 |access-date=26 April 2024}}
=Crewing problems=
In November 2023, Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, the commander of the RCN, released a statement indicating that due to serious personnel recruitment and retention problems in the navy, notably an absence of marine technicians, only one of the new Harry DeWolf-class ships was actually being crewed at any given time.{{Cite web |date=10 June 2024 |title=CFB Esquimalt techs hope for change amid record-low navy recruitment |last=Seymour |first=Bailey |url=https://www.vicnews.com/local-news/cfb-esquimalt-techs-hope-for-change-amid-record-low-navy-recruitment-7379214 |access-date=29 June 2024 |website=Victoria News }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuD6Q1HXsKw |title=The state of the Royal Canadian Navy |author=Royal Canadian Navy |via=YouTube.com |date=27 November 2023 |access-date=29 February 2024}} By February/March 2024 these crewing problems had been reduced/solved, as demonstrated by the simultaneous deployments of {{HMCS|Max Bernays||2}} (sailing between Canada's Atlantic and Pacific coasts via the Panama Canal) and {{HMCS|Margaret Brooke||2}} (to the Caribbean Sea).{{cite magazine |first=Ann |last=Griffiths |title=Interview with Rear-Admiral Josee Kurtz |magazine=Canadian Naval Review |volume=20 |number=1 |date=2024 |pp=8 and 9}} Both Harry DeWolf and Margaret Brooke participated in Nanook 2024, which was led by the Canadian Armed Forces.{{Cite web |title=U.S. Second Fleet Completes Operation Nanook 2024 with Multinational Partners |url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3886099/us-second-fleet-completes-operation-nanook-2024-with-multinational-partners/ |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=United States Navy |language=en-US}}
Design
File:HMCS Harry DeWolf Arctic Transit Aug 2021.jpg, has a Polar Class 5 rating.]]
The AOPS was initially envisaged to feature azimuth thrusters and a double-acting hull form that would incorporate a moderate icebreaking bow for cruising in open water and light ice, and an icebreaking stern designed for heavier ice conditions.{{citation|title=Arctic patrol ship could have double-acting hullform|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/48600904|work=Warship Technology|date=March 2009|pages=12–15|publisher=The Royal Institution of Naval Architects}} After a conventional twin-shaft layout similar to existing Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers was selected following a cost-benefit analysis, the hull form was optimized for bow-first icebreaking with a rounded spoon-shaped stem.{{citation|first=Daniel|last=Lougheed|title=The Balancing Act between Ice Breaking and Open Ocean Seakeeping in the Design of the Harry DeWolf Class|url=https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/dnd-mdn/documents/mej/42-071-maritime-engineering-journal-102.pdf|work=Maritime Engineering Journal|number=102|pages=23–26|year=2022|publisher=Director General Maritime Equipment Program Management|issn=0713-0058}} The vessels' ice class is Polar Class 5, but the bow region is further strengthened to higher Polar Class 4 level.{{cite web|url=https://www.navalassoc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/BN14-AOPV_apr19.pdf|title=Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel|work=Naval Affairs Program Briefing #14|publisher=Naval Association of Canada|access-date=25 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525075502/https://www.navalassoc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/BN14-AOPV_apr19.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2019|url-status=dead}} A bow thruster enables manoeuvering and berthing without tug assistance.
In May 2008, a contract was awarded to BMT Fleet Technology and Aker Yards Marine (renamed STX Canada Marine few months later; today Vard Marine) to assist in developing technical specifications and a design for the project. The technical specifications were to be used to draft a request for proposals. The government later awarded a design contract to the same companies to develop the design of the vessel for issue to the selected NSPS proponent.
The ships are built in three large megablocks: centre, aft and bow. The megablocks combined consist of 62 smaller building blocks. The first steel was cut on Harry DeWolf in September 2015.
The ships are designed to displace {{convert|6,440|MT|LT|lk=on}}, making them the largest class of naval vessels produced in Canada in the past 50 years, with the previous being the retired {{sclass|Protecteur|replenishment oiler|1}}.{{cite web |url=https://shipsforcanada.ca/our-stories/halifax-shipyard-delivers-hmcs-harry-dewolf-lead-vessel-in-canadas-new-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-vessel-class#:~:text=The%206%2C615%20tonne%20HMCS%20Harry%20DeWolf%20is%20comprised,built%20in%20Canada%20in%20more%20than%2050%20years. |title=Halifax Shipyard Delivers HMCS Harry DeWolf, Lead Vessel in Canada's New Arctic And Offshore Patrol Vessel Class |publisher=Irving Halifax Shipyard |date=31 July 2020 |access-date=26 April 2021 |archive-date=27 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427001903/https://shipsforcanada.ca/our-stories/halifax-shipyard-delivers-hmcs-harry-dewolf-lead-vessel-in-canadas-new-arctic-and-offshore-patrol-vessel-class#:~:text=The%206%2C615%20tonne%20HMCS%20Harry%20DeWolf%20is%20comprised,built%20in%20Canada%20in%20more%20than%2050%20years. |url-status=live }} They are capable of outfitting multiple payload options such as shipping containers, underwater survey equipment, or a landing craft. The vessels have a 20-tonne and a 3-tonne crane to self-load/unload, and a vehicle bay to carry vehicles for deployment over the ice.{{Cite web |date=21 March 2023 |title=Harry DeWolf class fact sheet |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/fleet-units/surface/harry-dewolf-class/fact-sheet.html |access-date=28 May 2023 |website=www.canada.ca}} The design also calls for an enclosed cable deck and forecastle to better cope with the Arctic environment. On the open sea, the ships have fin stabilizers to reduce roll that are retractable during ice operations.
=Armament and aircraft=
File:HMCS Harry DeWolf stern view Sep 2021.jpg
In August 2015, BAE Systems won the contract to provide up to six modified Mk 38 Mod 3A 25 mm cannon for the naval ships in the class (the coast guard ships will be unarmed, as CCG has no enforcement mandate). This contract also covers the service life of the weapons.{{cite web |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150818006151/en/BAE-Systems%E2%80%99-Naval-Guns-Chosen-Canadian-Arctic |title=BAE Systems' Naval Guns Chosen For Canadian Arctic Patrol Ships |website=BusinessWire |date=18 August 2015 |access-date=19 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924144701/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150818006151/en/BAE-Systems%E2%80%99-Naval-Guns-Chosen-Canadian-Arctic |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live }}
The vessels have a hangar and flight deck capable of employing and maintaining the same maritime helicopter as the RCN's other vessels: the CH-148 Cyclone.
=Propulsion and power=
File:HMCS Max Bernays tour 2022 3 of 5.jpg
The vessels have a diesel-electric powertrain with four {{convert|3.6|MW|adj=on}} MAN 6L32/44CR four-stroke medium-speed diesel generators producing electricity for two {{convert|4.5|MW|hp|adj=on}} propulsion motors driving twin shaft lines with bolted propellers.
=Sensors=
In September 2015, it was announced that the ships would be outfitted with SAGEM BlueNaute inertial navigation systems.{{cite news |url=http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/154966/ |title=Sagem's BlueNaute Navigation System Chosen for Canada's New Offshore Patrol Vessels |work=Newswire Today |date=16 September 2015 |access-date=17 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919062224/http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/154966/ |archive-date=19 September 2015 |url-status=live }} On 7 October 2015, Thales IFF system was selected for use on the class.{{cite web |url=http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/digital-battlespace/thales-provides-iff-interrogator-canada/ |title=Thales IFF equipment for Canadian OPVs |website=shephardmedia.com |date=8 October 2015 |access-date=9 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009145631/http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/digital-battlespace/thales-provides-iff-interrogator-canada/ |archive-date=9 October 2015 |url-status=live }} Terma currently provides its SCANTER 6002 surveillance radar system to Lockheed Martin Canada as part of the Combat Management System (CMS 330), which was selected by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. for the AOPS.{{cite web |url=http://shipsforcanada.ca/our-stories/toronto-based-tech-company-seizing-opportunities-as-a-result-of-canadas-aops-program |title=Toronto-based tech company seizing opportunities as a result of Canada's AOPS program |publisher=Irving Shipyard |date=16 October 2017 |access-date=12 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112132347/http://shipsforcanada.ca/our-stories/toronto-based-tech-company-seizing-opportunities-as-a-result-of-canadas-aops-program |archive-date=12 November 2017 |url-status=live }} The vessel also has Kelvin Hughes SharpEye X and S-band navigation radars.{{Cite web |title=cmano-db.com |url=https://cmano-db.com/ship/2797/ |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=cmano-db.com}}
=Coast Guard version=
The Canadian Coast Guard version will be built to a slightly modified design. Modifications include a new bridge layout and accommodations for a non-military crew subject to Transport Canada requirements. Some areas are to be changed to meet the needs of coast guard equipment and there will be modifications to the deck.{{cite web |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/irving-to-receive-58-million-for-minimal-changes-to-new-coast-guard-ships |title=Irving to receive $58 million for 'minimal' changes to new Coast Guard ships |last=Pugliese |first=David |work=Ottawa Citizen |date=7 February 2020 |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220143753/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/irving-to-receive-58-million-for-minimal-changes-to-new-coast-guard-ships |url-status=live }} Despite the supposedly limited modifications, the cost of the two Coast Guard variants was reported in 2022 as likely to be significantly higher than that of the naval variants.{{cite web |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/two-coast-guard-arctic-ships-to-cost-1-5-billion-double-the-price-of-same-vessels-for-navy#:~:text=The%20navy%20is%20spending%20about,is%20expected%20to%20keep%20climbing. |title=Two coast guard Arctic ships to cost $1.5 billion, double the price of same vessels for navy |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Pugliese |first=David |date=23 March 2022 |access-date=1 June 2022}} In 2023, it was reported that the cost of the two Coast Guard variants had increased by a further $100 million, going from $1.5 billion to $1.6 billion. A further increase to $2.1 billion was reported in early 2024. The first of the Coast Guard ships was laid down during a ceremony on 31 July 2024. The first ship is named CCGS Donjek Glacier after Donjek Glacier in Kluane National Park in Yukon. While the second Coast Guard ship named CGS Sermilik Glacier takes its name from Sermilik Glacier found in Sirmilik National Park in Nunavut.
Ships in class
| class="wikitable"
! scope=col | Class ! scope=col | Ship name ! scope=col | Number ! scope=col | First steel cut ! scope=col | Laid down ! scope=col | Launched ! scope=col | Delivered ! scope=col | Commissioned ! scope=col | Northern affiliation ! scope=col | Status | |
| scope=row rowspan=6 |Harry DeWolf class
|{{HMCS|Harry DeWolf||2}} | 11 March 2016 | |
|---|---|
| {{HMCS|Margaret Brooke | 2}}
| 10 November 2019 |
| {{HMCS|Max Bernays | 2}} |
| {{HMCS|William Hall | 2}}
| Kivalliq |
| {{HMCS|Frédérick Rolette | 2}}
| Nunavik |
| {{HMCS|Robert Hampton Gray | 2}}{{csr|register=SEAWEB|id=4702553|shipname=Robert Hampton Gray|access-date=20 May 2016}}
| | |
| scope=row rowspan=2 |AOPS – Coast Guard variant
| {{ship|CCGS|Donjek Glacier||2}} | | | | Projected 2026 | |Under construction | |
| {{ship|CCGS|Sermilik Glacier | 2}}
| | | | | Projected 2027 | |Under construction |
See also
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- [https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/fleet-units/surface/harry-dewolf-class.html Harry DeWolf class] - Government of Canada
{{Harry DeWolf-class offshore patrol vessel}}
{{Royal Canadian Navy}}