Feature 6 | Royal New ZealaNd Navy
Mana – that constitute the Naval Combat
Force. The first stage of this programme
is a Platform Systems Upgrade (PSU) that
addresses stability enhancement, a diesel
prime mover replacement and upgrade,
procurement and integration of a new
integrated platform management system,
and an improved heating, ventilation
and air conditioning system. Te Kaha is
currently receiving the initial elements
of the PSU during its current extended
maintenance period at Devonport Naval
Base in Auckland.
A Self Defence Upgrade is planned to
follow which will seek to maintain the
operational effectiveness of major parts of
the combat system. Replacement options
Te Kaha is currently receiving the initial elements of the PSU during its extended are being investigated for the command
maintenance period at devonport Naval Base in auckland. and fire control system, the point defence
missile system, the target indication radar
and the identification friend or foe (IFF)
vessel as delivered suffers from significant stages for delivery which is expected later system. In the meantime, both Te Kaha
water ingress into boat alcoves, and poor this year”. and Te Mana are receiving the improved
sea keeping performance in higher sea All four IPVs have been delivered and Phalanx Block 1B close-in weapon
states. An independent review reporting were commissioned into RNZN service system and the Mini-Typhoon stabilised
in 2008 found that the acquisition was during April/May 2009. They are now weapon station.
constrained by the initial choice of ship commencing their operational release and The next major capital acquisition
design, has focused overly on introduction work-up programmes. programme will focus on the replacement
to service rather than meeting contract In parallel with the introduction of of the fleet tanker HMNZS Endeavour.
requirements, and has suffered from the Project Protector fleet, the RNZN The ship, commissioned in 1988, recently
shortcomings in project management. is pursuing a phased approach to the underwent conversion so that its tanks
Furthermore, it was asserted that modernisation of the two ANZAC class met double-skinning requirements
Canterbury “is unlikely to meet all of frigates – HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te demanded by MARPOL regulations. This
the requirements of the contract”. This is will prolong the vessel’s life out to 2013,
attributed to the fundamental unsuitability although it has also reduced Endeavour’s
of a commercial Ro-Ro ferry short/fat total fuel capacity.
hullform to undertake long operational According to Captain Fred Keating,
patrols in the Southern Oceans. Assistant Chief of Navy (Capability), this
The report observed: “HMNZS out-of-service date is a ‘peg in the sand’ for
Canterbury is intrinsically safe but the introduction of a successor capability.
remedial work will be required to enable Quoted in the RNZN’s in-house
her to perform military functions; some magazine Navy Today, he said that
operating limitations will also have to while thinking on a replacement is “still
be accepted. Sea keeping performance is embryonic”, the intention, in terms of
likely to be poor in higher sea states.” capability, “is not to simply go for a one-to-
Delays have also beset the OPV one replacement of Endeavour. Indeed,
programme. Both vessels ran contractor’s for reasons including fit-out, training
sea trials in 2008, but were not presented and logistic support it is preferable to
for acceptance pending the resolution of replace Endeavour with a ‘joint support’
a number of issues, specifically the ships’ capability.”
crane and fittings, the service life margin It is anticipated that such a vessel
allowed for in the design, and the provision would have a degree of commonality
of compliant seaboats. The New Zealand with the new MRV HMNZS Canterbury.
MoD in August 2009 reported that the The Royal New Zealand Navy frigate Te However, it would carry more fuel and
“two OPVs have successfully completed Mana sails alongside the Nimitz class have a replenishment at sea rig for afloat
sea trials and are in the final preparation carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. replenishment operations. WT
36 Warship Technology October 2009
WT RNZN OCT09.indd 36 17/09/2009 10:36:59
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