Canada’s first AOPS begins builders’ sea trials
The Royal Canadian Navy’s lead Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) has begun initial builder’s sea trials with Halifax Shipyard.
The future HMCS Harry DeWolf will carry out a range of trials including anchor handling, integrated bridge and navigation system tests, fin stabilisers tests, Multi-Role Rescue Boat launch and recovery, and communication systems tests.
Initial builder’s sea trials will continue over the next few weeks and will be followed by formal sea trials and acceptance by the Royal Canadian Navy in the first quarter of 2020.
There are currently three additional AOPS under construction at Halifax Shipyard. Second of class, Margaret Brooke, was launched on 10 November and is currently pier side where work continues to prepare the ship for sea trials and handover to the Royal Canadian Navy in late 2020.
Max Bernays and William Hall, third and fourth respectively, will follow.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Industrial teams prepare roadmap for Indonesia aircraft carrier transformation
Fincantieri and PT PAL have agreed on a framework to modernise the former Giuseppe Garibaldi, with drones, communications and broader Italian–Indonesian industrial ties involved.
-
Five years on: where could opportunities emerge next for AUKUS Pillar II?
Payload commonality, combat systems and electronic warfare are emerging as likely priorities as the trilateral partnership balances building submarines with sharing industrial ecosystems.
-
Singapore expands maritime presence with future-ready Sentinel OPV
Singapore is building space for uncrewed systems and future technologies into its new Sentinel-class OPVs, reflecting a wider move towards adaptable vessels capable of maintaining persistent maritime presence.
-
From the Baltic to the Gulf: where USV procurement is heading next
Saildrone’s new Copenhagen base is one sign of a larger shift, as navies globally turn to uncrewed vessels for surveillance and mine clearance.
-
Israeli Navy looks to expand as war reshapes future force requirements
Israel’s navy is preparing for a larger and more technically diverse role, but its ambitions could be impacted by supply chain restrictions, accelerating demand for domestic naval production as well as autonomous maritime capabilities.