A remarkable maritime operation unfolded at Ogden Point on Friday morning as a massive floating dry dock transported a Canadian warship for essential maintenance.
Engineering Marvel on Display
The 140-metre Seaspan Careen floating dry dock performed the intricate task of lifting the HMCS Vancouver completely out of the water. With the frigate securely positioned in cradles on its enormous platform, the dry dock, assisted by three powerful tugs, then undertook a slow and deliberate journey. The convoy moved past the mouth of Victoria Harbour and into CFB Esquimalt.
This operation, which took place on November 15, 2025, exposed the ship's hull, allowing for a thorough inspection and any necessary repairs. The move was a carefully orchestrated spectacle, highlighting the advanced capabilities of marine engineering on Canada's West Coast.
Critical Maintenance for a Naval Workhorse
According to Capt. Pedram Mohyeddin, a public affairs officer with the Canadian Armed Forces, the dry dock was towed to B-Jetty at the naval base. There, specialized engineering teams will conduct a detailed inspection of the hull.
Mohyeddin emphasized the importance of such maintenance, stating that these efforts are vital for the Halifax-class frigate. These ships are considered the backbone of the Royal Canadian Navy, playing a central role in global missions and the defence of North America. Regular upkeep ensures they remain capable of meeting evolving maritime threats, supporting allied operations, and safeguarding Canadian interests at sea.
Regular maintenance periods like this one are essential to extending the service life of the fleet and preserving Canada’s naval capabilities until the arrival of the future fleet, he added.
The Capabilities of the Seaspan Careen
Adam D’Agostino, a spokesman for Seaspan, confirmed that the Careen had arrived from its North Vancouver yard specifically for this task. This floating dry dock has been a staple for ship repair and launches on the West Coast since 1981.
Its impressive specifications include a lifting capacity of 30,000 tons. The dock can sink 11 metres below sea level, allowing tugs to guide ships into position over its football field-sized platform. Once a vessel is secured, the dock rises back to the surface, lifting the ship clear of the water for work on the hull.
The Halifax-class frigates, like the HMCS Vancouver, are multi-role vessels designed as submarine hunters and to counter other warships and air threats in the open ocean. The navy's 12 frigates regularly deploy around the world on missions ranging from fisheries patrol and surveillance to combat operations, either independently or as part of NATO and allied coalitions.
The activity at Ogden Point didn't stop with the naval operation. The port was also hosting the 148-metre-long Portuguese-flagged cargo freighter BBC Felix and the K.J. Gardner, noted as the largest spill-response vessel in Canada, marking a particularly busy week for the Victoria-area harbour.
