Halifax's Irving Shipbuilding has marked a historic moment with the ceremonial keel-laying for the first of Canada's 15 new River-class destroyers, the future HMCS Fraser. This event, held on June 12, signifies the commencement of formal construction for this next-generation warship, a critical component of the Royal Canadian Navy's fleet modernization efforts. The ceremony also recognized the successful delivery and launch of the final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, highlighting the ongoing progress within Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, emphasized the significance of this project, stating it represents the culmination of a 15-year commitment to building ships in Canada. The River-class destroyers are slated to replace the retired Iroquois-class destroyers and the aging Halifax-class frigates, bringing advanced capabilities to the navy. These new vessels are designed to deliver decisive combat power, capable of conducting a range of missions including counter-piracy, counter-terrorism, and sovereignty operations.
The National Shipbuilding Strategy, initiated in 2011, aims to revitalize Canada's shipbuilding industry and ensure a steady supply of modern vessels for both the navy and the Canadian Coast Guard. Irving Shipbuilding, alongside Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards, was selected as a strategic partner for this ambitious undertaking. The River-class destroyer project, with an estimated cost between $56 and $60 billion, is the largest and most complex shipbuilding initiative in Canada's history. The construction of the first three ships has been contracted to Irving, generating billions in labour income and supporting Canadian tradespeople. The first River-class destroyer is expected to enter service in the early 2030s, with the full complement of 15 ships projected for completion by 2050.
