HALIFAX - Irving Shipbuilding officially began construction on the first of Canada’s 15 new River-class destroyers in Halifax on Friday, marking an important step in the Royal Canadian Navy’s efforts to replace its aging fleet of frigates.

Hundreds of workers were on hand for the ceremonial laying of the keel — the foundational structure for the future HMCS Fraser. The centuries-old tradition dates back to the ancient Romans and included placing a silver coin in the ship’s hull for good luck.