Canadian Coast Guard Launches its first of two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, CCGS Donjek
Press Release
April 29, 2026 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard
Today, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Canadian Coast Guard celebrated the launch of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Donjek, the first of two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships being built for the Canadian Coast Guard at Irving Shipbuilding Inc., as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Built to expand the Canadian Coast Guard’s patrol and icebreaking capacity, the CCGS Donjek will support a wide range of missions, including offshore fisheries patrols, conservation and protection, and search and rescue operations along Canada’s east coast. The vessel will also support operations across the Canadian Arctic.
Equipped with modern communications systems and designed for multi-mission flexibility, the CCGS Donjek will strengthen the Canadian Coast Guard’s ability to operate effectively in remote and coastal communities. The vessel includes a medical cabin and modular accommodations, enabling humanitarian assistance and community resupply operations when required.
Its adaptable design allows it to support a broad range of operations, including scientific research, aids to navigation, and emergency response—ensuring it can respond to evolving operational demands.
In fiscal year 2025–26, Canada invested more than $63 billion in defence and security across government, strengthening national readiness and supporting the renewal of federal maritime capabilities. These investments include significant funding for equipment, infrastructure, and the domestic shipbuilding industry, including the construction of new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships for the Canadian Coast Guard.
Strengthening Canada’s maritime capability and supporting national security with modern assets has never been more important. These investments ensure the Canadian Coast Guard can continue delivering critical services in the Arctic and along Canada’s vast coastline.
Quotes
“Today’s launch of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Donjek marks an important step forward in strengthening Canada’s maritime presence—particularly in the Arctic. By building modern vessels here at home, we are growing Canada’s shipbuilding capacity, supporting good jobs, and ensuring our personnel have the tools they need to protect Canadians, deliver essential services, and keep our waters safe and clean.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“The CCGS Donjek is another concrete example of what the National Shipbuilding Strategy is delivering for Canada: a long-term industrial strategy, not just a procurement plan. It is about building sovereign capability, sustaining highly skilled jobs across the country, and ensuring Canada has the modern fleet it needs to operate in increasingly complex Arctic and maritime environments. This vessel reflects the strength of Canadian shipyards and the workers behind them, and our commitment to ensuring that Canadian public dollars continue to translate into Canadian capacity, resilience, and security for decades to come.”
The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant
“Launching the CCGS Donjek in Halifax is a clear demonstration of our city’s contributions to our governments priorities of national defence and arctic protection. The Irving Shipyard, located in Halifax, is a critical partner in our National Shipbuilding Strategy as we work to advance these priorities.”
Shannon Miedema, Member of Parliament for Halifax
“The launch of the CCGS Donjek is a major advancement for the Canadian Coast Guard. With modern capabilities and a shared class with the Royal Canadian Navy, this vessel will deepen our collaboration at sea and expand our ability to support fisheries patrols, conservation and protection, provide humanitarian assistance, and serve coastal and northern communities with reliability and flexibility - wherever our personnel is needed.”
Kevin Brosseau, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard
“The launch of the future CCGS Donjek is another milestone achieved on our mission to deliver quality ships for Canada. The teamwork and dedication of our workforce continues to produce results that demonstrate that Irving Shipbuilding is Canada’s Combat Shipbuilder.”
Dirk Lesko, President, Irving Shipbuilding Inc.
Quick facts
Following successful sea trials, CCGS Donjek is expected to be delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard in late 2026, followed by the second Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, the CCGS Sermilik, in 2027.
The construction of the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships is part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy and represents a key contribution to renew the Canadian Coast Guard fleet, revitalize Canada’s shipbuilding industry, and provide Coast Guard personnel with the modern vessels they need to deliver essential services.
Following the successful delivery of six Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships – also known as the Harry DeWolf‑class – to the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Coast Guard variant of the ship benefits from the lessons learned across the class, resulting in improved integration and efficiency in construction.
Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Government of Canada is renewing the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet with modern, Arctic‑capable vessels – including two Polar Icebreakers, up to six Program Icebreakers, two Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships, and up to sixteen Multi‑Purpose Icebreakers – to provide our personnel with the ships they need to protect mariners, safeguard Canada’s maritime borders, and support Arctic sovereignty well into the future.
Another example of our hard working and dedicated ship builders!