Canadian Coast Guard Welcomes New Hero Class Vessel

CCGS Private Robertson V.C. is the first of nine new Hero Class vessels – built at a Canadian shipyard for the Canadian Coast Guard – to be officially welcomed to the Coast Guard fleet.

Built at the Irving Shipyard in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Private Robertson V.C. is 43 metres in length, has a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 2000 nautical miles, and will be able to stay at sea for up to two weeks without re-provisioning.

It will enhance maritime security throughout the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway and will be used in the joint Marine Security Enforcement Teams program, a partnership between the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

“Our Government is proud to welcome this new Hero Class vessel to our fleet,” said Minister Ashfield. “We have made more investments in the Coast Guard than any Government in Canadian history. I am excited to see new and more capable Coast Guard vessels joining our fleet.”

“Our government is committed to keeping Canadians safe,” added Public Safety Minister Vic Toews. “This new Coast Guard vessel will further enhance the law enforcement partnership between the RCMP and the Canadian Coast Guard – a partnership that is vital to Canada’s marine and maritime security.”

The Coast Guard Hero class vessels are named after Canadian heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice for Canada. The first vessel of the class is named for Victoria Cross recipient Private James Peter Robertson.

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Press Release, May 1, 2013