Canadian Coast Guard receives fifth Hero-class patrol vessel

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has received fifth Hero-class mid-shore patrol vessel (MSPV), CCGS G Peddle S C 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.

The vessel has been named to honour CCG chief officer Gregory Paul Peddle S C who was posthumously awarded Star of Courage for his actions when their fast rescue craft overturned in an attempt to rescue a diver off Middle Cove, Newfoundland.

Fisheries and Oceans minister Gail Shea said, "This vessel, named after Canadian Coast Guard Chief Officer Gregory Paul Peddle S.C., will be used for fisheries enforcement duties in the Atlantic Region."

Designed for the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Marine Security Enforcement Team joint programme, the CCGS G Peddle S C vessel will be based in Dartmouth.

The patrol vessel can support a range of missions including surveillance of fisheries operations, control of illegal fishing equipment and illegal fish poaching, as well as anti-smuggling.

Powered by two Caterpillar diesel engines driving a pair of controllable pitch propellers, the vessels of the class feature high-speed and long-rage capabilities to enable extended operations in difficult weather conditions.

Capable of monitoring and patrolling the coastlines and international limits to demonstrate the Canadian presence, the 43m-long Hero-class vessels have a displacement capacity of 257t and can cruise at a maximum speed of 25k.

The CCG had taken delivery of first four Hero-class vessels.

Image: CCGS Peddle S.C. stationed at a dock. Photo: courtesy of Canada.gc.ca.