Keel Laid for first River-Class Destroyer – The Future HMCS Fraser
Press Release
HALIFAX, NS – Today, Irving Shipbuilding laid the keel for the first River-class destroyer (RCD), the future HMCS Fraser, and recognized significant milestones from this past year, including the delivery of the sixth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) for the Royal Canadian Navy and the launch of the first AOPS variant for the Canadian Coast Guard. This event also celebrated the hard work and dedication of the workforce at Halifax Shipyard, as Irving Shipbuilding continues to proudly build ships for Canada.
Celebrated at the Halifax Shipyard with the Honourable Lena Metledge Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship; the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice; Members of Parliament; Vice-Admiral Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy; Rear-Admiral Kurtz, Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic Commander; representatives from Unifor; and Canada/Industry partners from Department of National Defence, and Public Services and Procurement Canada, the milestone event recognized the significant progress being achieved at Halifax Shipyard.
The keel laying ceremony is a centuries-old tradition, dating back to the ancient Romans. Today’s ceremony included the tradition of laying a coin to the hull of the ship to bring luck to the captain and crew during the life of the ship. The coin, selected by the Royal Canadian Navy and presented by Vice-Admiral Topshee, was welded in place by Brandon VanHeighten, a Red Seal welder at Halifax Shipyard. Vice-Admiral Topshee officially declared the hull “well and truly laid” at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), Irving Shipbuilding has delivered six AOPS for the Royal Canadian Navy, is constructing two AOPS for the Canadian Coast Guard, 15 RCD for the Royal Canadian Navy and is providing essential ship repair services for the Halifax-class vessels.
The NSS has revitalized Canada’s shipbuilding industry while creating local jobs and delivering significant economic impact. With Irving Shipbuilding’s supply chain stretching from coast-to-coast, the NSS is delivering almost $11.3 billion in labour income to Canadians, supporting an average of 10,600 full time jobs annually across Canada, with 4,500 of these jobs located in Nova Scotia. In total, over $6.3 billion in taxes, fees, and charges are expected to be collected by all three levels of government between 2013 and 2027, with the NSS contributing $17.0 billion to Canada’s GDP.
Halifax shipbuilders have been able to focus on building back critical supply chains and developing their advanced skills to produce the cornerstone of Canada’s naval fleet. As Canada’s sole source for construction of naval combatants, Irving Shipbuilding is delivering unique, sovereign capability which will keep Canada’s sailors safe, protect Canadians, and confidently deliver on our international security responsibilities abroad.
QUOTES
“Today’s keel laying for the future HMCS Fraser highlights the evolution of a sovereign capability which has been developed in Halifax to deliver the objectives of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. Our 3,000 shipbuilders are proud to be building ships which will serve Canada for decades to come. We’re producing the next generation fleet for the Royal Canadian Navy, while delivering on every one of our commitments to sustain the legacy ships.
Dirk Lesko, President, Irving Shipbuilding
About Irving Shipbuilding
Irving Shipbuilding is Canada’s National Shipbuilder, selected in 2011 to build the new fleet of combat vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy. To date, six Arctic and Offshore Patrol ships have been delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy.
The company has commenced construction on two custom Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships for the Canadian Coast Guard, and construction is underway on the larger River-class destroyers. Nearly $15 billion in spending commitments are projected through 2027, with nearly 700 organizations across Canada as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
This team of 3,000 shipbuilders is proudly based in Halifax, NS.
Noah Note: A monumental moment for everyone involved, and for the Royal Canadian Navy. Today is a day to be happy and celebrate as we begin the journey of Canada’s largest revitalization of our combatant fleet since WW2.
For those of you across the Navy, Irving, and Industry who have worked hard to get here, all I shall say is congratulations. I know all of you have been working hard over the years for this moment, but your work is only beginning, and the road ahead will be hard.
But I am confident in you, that you will find the strength to not only persevere but thrive and build something truly beautiful here. You hold a lot of responsibility in your hands. Your country looks to you to keep her and her children safe. That is a monumental burden to have, but we have done it before and we will do it again.
Build her strong, build her true.
a great milestone!