Arctic and offshore patrol vessel built in Halifax delivered two months ahead of schedule

HALIFAX, N.S. — The Royal Canadian Navy received its fourth Arctic and offshore patrol vessel, HMCS William Hall, two months ahead of schedule on Wednesday, Aug. 31.

Named after William Hall, the first Black person and one of the first Canadians to earn the Victoria Cross for bravery, the vessel pays tribute to the Nova Scotian born to former American slaves in 1827. Hall joined the Royal Navy in 1852.

The ship is the latest in the series of patrol and warships produced as part of Canada’s shipbuilding program.

“These modern, ice-capable ships, built by Canadians, for Canadians, will bring advanced capabilities for our Navy to serve and protect our northern waters and beyond,” said Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.

Dirk Lesko, president of Irving Shipbuilding, praised the vessel’s early delivery as a “testament to the developing workforce” in Halifax.

“The delivery of HMCS William Hall today, a full two months ahead of schedule, marks our most efficient production effort to date,” said Lesko

HMCS William Hall was completed three months faster than its predecessor, HMCS Max Bernays, despite production delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Construction began on the ship in February 2021, and it was first floated in November last year.