Canadian Coast Guard receives third Hero-class MSPV

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has taken delivery of the third Hero-class mid-shore patrol vessel (MSPV), CCGS Corporal Teather C.V., from Irving Shipbuilding.

The delivery follows a previously awarded $194m contract to Irving Shipbuilding in September 2009, to deliver nine mid-shore patrol vessels to Canada.

Atlantic Gateway minister and Fisheries and Oceans minister Keith Ashfield said the CCGS Corporal Teather C.V. has been designed to enhance maritime security along the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Named after Corporal Robert Gordon Teather, C.V. Royal Canadian Mounted Police diving team member in Surrey, British Columbia, the vessel will support missions including maritime security, search and rescue, fisheries enforcement, anti-smuggling and maritime patrol missions on Canadian waters.

Powered by two Caterpillar diesel engines driving a pair of controllable pitch propellers, the Hero-class vessel can endure for two weeks, have a range of 2,000nm and can cruise at an average speed of 14k.

The primary vessel platform for the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Marine Security Enforcement Team joint programme, the 47m-long Hero-class ship provides high-speed and long-rage capabilities and enables extended operations in difficult weather conditions.

The vessel will be deployed in the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway to enhance the maritime security and support CCG as well as to address potential threats and water enforcement requirements.