Today, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) accepted the sixth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Robert Hampton Gray. This delivery marks the completion of a fleet of vessels that have already had an exemplary deployment history since the commissioning of the first ship in 2021. The AOPVs have demonstrated numerous operational capabilities, with multiple deployments on Operations CARIBBE, HORIZON and NANOOK. The AOPVs have also circumnavigated North America, deployed to Antarctica, and have provided support to Canadians at home under Operation LENTUS.
The AOPVs are ice-capable patrol ships designed to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces' presence in the Arctic, and to assert and uphold Canadian sovereignty. These versatile ships can operate anywhere in the world, bolstering the RCN's capability to support international peace and security. In addition to performing operational missions and tasks, in line with Canada's defence policy, the construction of these modern ships also supports Canada's marine industry under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Following official delivery to the RCN, HMCS Robert Hampton Gray and its crew will undergo sea trials, warm and cold weather trials and post-delivery evaluations. The ship's commissioning ceremony is expected to take place in 2026, after it arrives in its home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia.
