Protector in Montreal

HMS Protector arrived in Montreal on Wednesday, 8 June, officially kicking off the #ProtectorInCanada tour.

As part of the UK’s commitment to the Arctic region, HMS Protector arrived in Canada last Wednesday.

This is the first time that HMS Protector visits Canada. During the ship’s deployment, HMS Protector will:

  • exchange polar expertise with Canadian counterparts;
  • collaborate on science and technology; and
  • take part in joint operational training.

Along the way, the vessel is making several stops in Eastern Canada. The first of which just wrapped up in Montreal!

Here are some of the highlights from the first leg of #ProtectorInCanada:

WELCOME TO CANADA!

HMS Protector arrived at the Port of Montreal bright and early on Wednesday 8 June. British High Commissioner to Canada Susannah Goshko was ceremonially piped onboard and welcomed by Captain Milly Ingham and crew. It was officially the start of the ‘Protector in Canada’ tour for this Royal Navy Ice Patrol Ship.

Later that day, Consul-General to Montreal Chloe Adams, accompanied Captain Ingham to Montreal’s City Hall to meet and greet with city officials.  

STUDENT DAY ON BOARD HMS PROTECTOR

Thursday, 9 June was a rainy one, but that didn’t stop elementary students from joining the crew on board HMS Protector for tours of the ship.

The kids were thrilled to learn about the ship’s gadgets and state of the art scientific equipment, as well as what it’s like to serve in the Royal Navy!  

In the afternoon, Mad Science joined us for a science demonstration in the ship’s dining hall. The 5th graders from Akiva School were mesmerised by the dry ice experiments.

The next day, HMS Protector crew welcomed even more students on board! This time from St. Gabriel Elementary School.

VIP RECEPTION

Believe it or not, HMS Protector makes for a fabulous reception venue!

The crew were delighted to welcome partners from the Canadian Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Armed Forces – as well as other guests from Montreal and surrounding areas –  aboard HMS Protector for a VIP reception. 

Guests were treated to UK Gin cocktails, British cheese and even mini beef wellingtons. Special shout out to HMS Protector Chef Abbie Docchar for her beautiful flag cake!  

STUDENT COMPETITION

On Friday, the British Consulate in Montreal hosted a student competition in the ship’s hall. 

‘Greening the Shipping Industry with #Hydrogen’ was a three-month competition to find the best student-led solution for developing the industry in an environmentally sustainable way. It was an opportunity for students to develop their skills and expertise and come up with solutions for a complex and urgent global issue.

Congratulations to the team from McGill university! They will be heading to the UK later this year as part of their prize.  

UK/CANADA COLLABORATION

While in Montreal, the ship proved to be a great venue space.

HMS Protector hosted:

  • Collaborative discussions between UK/Canadian counterparts like Dr Jaspinder Komal ADM Defence Research and Development and Dame Angela McLean UK Defence Chief Scientific Adviser
  • A roundtable discussion focusing on clean energy, clean tech and green services and skills.
  • An award ceremony for UKinCanada team member, Luke Parker, who was presented an award for ‘ground-breaking and capability defining effect within defence’ by Dame Angela McLean. Congrats Luke!

 

Au Revoir Montreal

The ship was open for public tours on Saturday, inviting all of Montreal to come aboard before preparing the ship for departure on Sunday.  

On Monday 13 June she set sail for her next stop: Quebec City!

Make sure you check out our next blog as HMS Protector makes her way along the St. Lawrence.