1889
Halifax Graving Dock Company begins operation.
History
A Proud History As
Canada’s Shipbuilder
Irving Shipbuilding has built over 80% of Canada’s current fleet. Halifax Shipyard has been at the forefront of Canadian shipbuilding for more than 130 years.
1917
The Halifax Explosion occurs just 300 m north of the Halifax graving dock on the morning of December 6, resulting in loss of life and major damage to the facilities.
1940-1941
Saint John Shipbuilding and Drydock Company constructs four flower-class corvettes to serve during WWII with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).
1942-1947
Halifax Shipyard constructs four Tribal-class destroyers as part of the Royal Canadian Navy’s post-war fleet modernization program.
1951-1957
Halifax Shipyard constructs St. Laurent-class destroyers as part of the RCN’s post-war fleet modernization program.
1966-1970
Irving Shipbuilding constructs two Protecteur-class auxiliary vessels for the RCN to resupply ships at sea with food, munitions, fuel, and spare parts.
1987-1996
Saint John Shipbuilding successfully delivers nine warships for the RCN’s Halifax-class frigate program, Canada’s largest shipbuilding project to date.
1994-1998
Halifax Shipyard joins Irving Shipbuilding in 1994. Over the next six years, Irving Shipbuilding builds 12 Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels (MCDV) for the RCN.
2008
Irving Shipbuilding awarded a contract to modernize Canada’s fleet of Halifax-class frigates.
2009-2014
Irving Shipbuilding constructs nine new Mid Shore Patrol Vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard.
2011
Irving Shipbuilding is selected by the Canadian Government as one of two shipbuilding Centres of Excellence under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. ISI is awarded the combat package to build the Royal Canadian Navy's new combat fleet, a program that comprises 21 vessels over a period of 30 years.
2014
In August, after a $400m modernization investment, the last steel truss is installed on the newly modernized Halifax Shipyard.
2015
Construction begins in September on the first AOPS vessel, HMCS Harry DeWolf.
2016
A coin is laid on the keel of HMCS Harry DeWolf. A proud naval tradition said to bring luck to the ship. In August, steel is cut at our Marine Fabricators facility for the second AOPS, HMCS Margaret Brooke.
2018
HMCS Harry Dewolf is launched in the Bedford Basin in Halifax. Construction begins on the future HMCS Max Bernays.
2019
HMCS Margaret Brooke is launched in the Bedford Basin in Halifax. Construction begins on the future HMCS William Hall.
2020
HMCS Harry DeWolf, the first-in-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, is delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy. The 103.6 m-long ship is the largest RCN vessel built in the country in 50 years.
2021
HMCS Margaret Brooke is delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy. HMCS Max Bernays is launched. Construction begins on the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette.
2022
HMCS Max Bernays is delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy. Construction begins on the Royal Canadian Navy’s final AOPS, the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray.
2023
HMCS William Hall is delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy. Construction begins on the seventh AOPS, the first of two for the Canadian Coast Guard fleet.
Today
Irving Shipbuilding is the most modern shipbuilder and in-service ship support provider in North America, preparing for commencement of construction on the River-class destroyers.