Archana Cini
Lookout Newspaper

Not every hero sails a ship, some design the ship instead.

The Royal Victoria Yacht Club was the scene of both official recognition and naval tradition on April 24, when Mr. Robert Allan, President of Robert Allan Ltd., was presented with the 2024 Admirals’ Medal for exceptional contributions to Canada’s maritime legacy. The ceremony, hosted by Vice Admiral (Retired) Nigel Brodeur and Commodore David Mazur, Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific, brought together Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) representatives, veterans, and local Defence community leaders to honour a man whose work will power our national
fleet for decades to come.

Through the exclusive design of four new Naval Large Tugs (NLTs) developed for the RCN, medal recipient Robert Allan played a direct role in strengthening Canadian
maritime operations and morale. Built under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, these vessels are designed to handle everything from critical emergency response and coastal towing to firefighting. The NLTs represent a leap forward in power, maneuverability, and mission support. The tugs will replace aging equipment and expand operational readiness for the Navy’s growing fleet, boasting the ability to maneuver challenging weather conditions alongside a staggering 60-tonne bollard pull.

Allan’s commitment to innovation and technical excellence exemplifies the spirit of the Admirals’ Medal itself, which recognizes key innovative contributions made to Canadian maritime affairs. First created in 1985 by Vice-Admirals Bob Stephens, Dan Mainguy, and Nigel Brodeur, the medal was named in tribute to their fathers, men whose naval service helped shape the RCN’s identity, alongside its values of courage and technical excellence.

As a civilian Admirals’ Medal recipient, Allan joins a very small group of contributors, including Arctic researcher Moira Dunbar and last year’s honouree, Captain David (Duke) Snider. To Allan, the medal ceremony was a humbling experience—an acknowledgement of years of work and care poured into supporting those who serve at sea.
He shared, “I just draw the boats, that’s as close to being in the Navy as I’ll ever get!”

In recognizing Allan, the Admirals’ Medal reminds us that maritime excellence is developed not only at sea, but also in the minds and hands of those who build the future of our Canadian fleet.