With stormy weather coming the CCGS Cape Roger put in to Halifax this morning. The 1251 gt veteran offshore patrol vessel dates from 1977 when it was built by Ferguson Industries Ltd in Pictou, NS. Based in St.John's NL it can often be seen in Halifax during ice season.
One of three offshore patrol vessels in the Atlantic Region it conducts fisheries surveillance, search and rescue and sovereignty patrols. The current National Shipbuilding Strategy calls for replacement vessels to be built by Seaspan in Vancouver. In the meantime the two new Arctic and Offshore Patrol vessels under construction at Halifax Shipyard for the Canadian Coast Guard may fill in to some extent even though they are substantially larger vessels, and may have conflicting assignments depending on the time of year. The first of those new ships is due for completion in 2026.
The other six AOPS vessels, built for the Royal Canadian Navy, may be able to cover some of the patrol duties without interferring with naval deployments.
The Cape Roger is due for major maintenence next year, but is expected to remain in service for some time to come.
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