Keel Laid for first Canada River-Class Destroyer - The Future HMCS Fraser

[00:00:15]Irving Shipbuilding has laid the keel for the first River Class Destroyer, the future HMCS Fraser, at Halifax Shipyard.

[00:00:23]The event also recognized milestones in the past year, including delivery of the sixth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship for the Royal Canadian Navy, and the launch of the first AOPS variant for the Canadian Coast Guard.

[00:00:36]The keel laying ceremony followed a centuries-old naval tradition.

[00:00:40]It included placing a coin in the ship's hull to bring luck to the captain and crew during the life of the vessel.

[00:00:46]The coin was selected by the Royal Canadian Navy [music] and presented by Vice Admiral Topshee.

[00:00:51]It was welded in place by Brandon Van Heiten, a Red Seal Welder, and fitted by Jason [music] Fredericks, a Red Seal Metal Fabricator at Halifax Shipyard.

[00:01:02]Vice Admiral Topshee declared the hull well and truly laid at the end of the ceremony.

[00:01:07]Irving Shipbuilding said the milestone reflected significant progress being made at the Halifax facility.

[00:01:14]Under Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy, Irving Shipbuilding has delivered six AOPS to the Royal Canadian Navy.

[00:01:21]The company is also building [music] two AOPS for the Canadian Coast Guard, up to 15 River Class Destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy, and providing ship repair services for Halifax Class frigates.

[00:01:33]Irving Shipbuilding said the National Shipbuilding Strategy is revitalizing Canada's shipbuilding industry while creating local jobs and economic impact.

[00:01:43]The company said its supply chain stretches across Canada and supports an average of 10,600 full-time jobs annually, including 4,500 in Nova Scotia.

[00:01:54]The company said the strategy is expected to generate almost 11.3 billion Canadian dollars in labor income and contribute nearly 17.0 billion Canadian dollars to Canada's GDP."

[00:02:08]Irving Shipbuilding programs under the strategy are also estimated to raise [music] more than 6.3 billion Canadian dollars in taxes, fees, and charges for all three levels of government between 2013 and 2027.

[00:02:22]Halifax shipbuilders have focused on rebuilding critical supply chains and developing advanced skills needed to produce the cornerstone of Canada's naval fleet.

[00:02:32]Irving Shipbuilding said its role as Canada's sole source for construction of naval combatants supports sovereign capabilities for the country.

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