The Harry DeWolf-classoffshore patrol vessels are designed for use in the Arctic regions of Canada for patrol and support within Canada's exclusive economic zone. The vessel is 103.6 m (339 ft 11 in) long overall with a beam of 19.0 m (62 ft 4 in). The ship has a displacement of 6,615 metric tons (6,511 long tons). The ship has an enclosed foredeck that protects machinery and work spaces from Arctic climates. The vessel is powered by a diesel-electric system composed of four 3.6-megawatt (4,800 hp) MAN 6L32/44CR[1] four-stroke medium-speed diesel generators and two electric propulsion motors rated at 4.5 megawatts (6,000 hp) driving two shafts. Max Bernays is capable of 17 knots (31 km/h; 20 mph) in open water and 3 knots (5.6 km/h; 3.5 mph) in 1-metre (3 ft 3 in) first-year sea ice. The ship is also equipped with a bow thruster to aid during manoeuvres and docking procedures without requiring tugboat assistance. The ship has a range of 6,800 nautical miles (12,600 km; 7,800 mi) and an endurance of 120 days. Max Bernays is equipped with fin stabilizers to decrease roll in open water, which can be retracted during icebreaking.[8][2][9]
Max Bernays is able to deploy with multiple payloads, including shipping containers, underwater survey equipment or landing craft. Payload operations are aided by a 20-metric-ton (20-long-ton; 22-short-ton) crane for loading and unloading. The ship is equipped with a vehicle bay which can hold pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. The ship also has two 8.5-metre (27 ft 11 in) multi-role rescue boats capable of over 35 knots (65 km/h; 40 mph). The ship is armed with one BAE Mk 38 25 mm (0.98 in) gun and two M2 Browning machine guns. The patrol ship has an onboard hangar and flight deck for helicopters up to the size of a Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone. Max Bernays has a complement of 65 and accommodation for 85[8][2][9] or 87.[10]
Construction and career
The patrol vessel's keel was laid down on 5 December 2018 by Irving Shipbuilding at Halifax, Nova Scotia.[11] The ship was launched on 23 October 2021, and was delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy 2 September 2022.[12] The naming ceremony was conducted on 29 May 2022 in conjunction with that for sister ship Margaret Brooke.[13] The ship began sea trials in July 2022.[14] The ship was delivered to the RCN in September 2022 for post-acceptance trials and it was indicated that she would be the first vessel of her class to be based in the Pacific region, starting in 2023.[15][16]
On 11 March 2024, Max Bernays left Halifax for its new homeport at Esquimalt, British Columbia, with Canadian Fleet Pacific.[17] The vessel was commissioned on 3 May 2024 in the presence of Anne, Princess Royal.[18] In mid 2024, Max Bernays took part in the multi-national exercise RIMPAC 2024 along with the supply ship Asterix and the frigate Vancouver.[19]
^"Halifax Shipyard Marks Major Milestone with the Joint Naming Ceremony of HMCS Margaret Brooke and HMCS Max Bernays" (Press release). Irving Shipbuilding. 29 May 2022.
