Vice-Admiral Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, speaks at the keel laying ceremony for the first River-class destroyer, the future HMCS Fraser.
Keel Laying Ceremony in Halifax
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, June 12, 2026 — 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 Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship; 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 industry partners from the Department of National Defence, and Public Services and Procurement Canada, this milestone event recognized the significant progress being achieved at Halifax Shipyard.
Ancient Tradition with a Modern Touch
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 in 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, and fitted by Jaeson Fredericks, a Red Seal metal fabricator at Halifax Shipyard. Vice-Admiral Topshee officially declared the hull “well and truly laid” at the conclusion of the ceremony.
National Shipbuilding Strategy Progress
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, up to 15 RCD for the Royal Canadian Navy, and is providing essential ship repair services for the Halifax-class frigates.
The NSS is revitalizing Canada’s shipbuilding industry, while creating local jobs and delivering significant economic impact. Irving Shipbuilding’s supply chain stretches from coast-to-coast, supporting the NSS to generate almost $11.3 billion in labour income to Canadians and to sustain an average of 10,600 full time jobs annually across Canada, with 4,500 of these jobs located in Nova Scotia. In total, Irving Shipbuilding programs under the NSS is estimated to raise over $6.3 billion in taxes, fees, and charges for all three levels of government between 2013 and 2027, with nearly $17.0 billion contributed 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 capabilities that will keep Canada’s sailors safe, protect Canadians, and confidently deliver on our international security responsibilities.
