Previously known as the Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) the ship now has a class name - Harry DeWolf class, after the Canadian Vice Admiral who was famous as the first commander of HMCS Haida during the Second World War.

The Harry DeWolf Class project will deliver six ice-capable ships. They will be capable of:

- armed sea-borne surveillance of Canada's waters, including the Arctic
- providing government situational awareness of activities and events in these regions
- cooperating with other partners in the Canadian Armed Forces and other government departments to assert and enforce Canadian sovereignty, when and where necessary.

Construction of the first ship will begin in September 2015, with HMCS Harry DeWolf scheduled for delivery in 2018 (images to thw right are artist renderings).

The announced names of the Harry DeWolf-class ships to date are:

HMCS Harry DeWolf
HMCS Margaret Brooke
HMCS Max Bernays
HMCS William Hall
HMCS Frédérick Rolette

Specifications:

Length: 103 metres
Beam: 19 metres
Complement: 65

Features:

- Integrated Bridge Navigation System - Modern integrated bridge, from which control of navigation, machinery, and damage control systems can be performed.

- Multi-Purpose Operational Space - Where operational planning and mission execution will be coordinated.

- BAE Mk 38 Gun - Remote controlled 25 mm gun to support domestic constabulary role.

- Enclosed Focsle/Cable Deck - Protects foredeck machinery and workspace from harsh Arctic environment.

- Helicopter Capability - Depending on the mission, the embarked helicopter could range from a small utility aircraft right up to the new CH-148 maritime helicopter.

- Cargo/Payloads - Multiple payload options such as shipping containers, underwater survey equipment, or a landing craft. Ship has a 20-tonne crane to self-load/unload.

- Vehicle Bay - For rapid mobility over land or ice, the ship can carry vehicles such as pickup trucks, ATVs, and snowmobiles.

- Diesel/Electric Propulsion - Propulsion: Two 4.5 megawatt main propulsion engines, four 3.6 megawatt generators.

- Retractable Active Fin Stabilizers - Deployed to reduce ship roll for open ocean operations, retracted for operations in ice.

- Multi-Role Rescue Boats - Top speed of 35+ knots, 8.5 metres long. Will support rescues, personnel transfers, or boarding operations.

- Bow Thrusters - To enable manoeuvring or berthing without tug assistance.