Protector class OPV

The "Protector" class offshore patrol vessel is a new class of offshore patrol vessel (OPVs) under construction for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).

Key dates

* July 2002 NZ MoD issues Invitation to Register (ITR)
* 29 July 2004 Project Protector contract signed between NZ MoD and Tenix Defence. OPVs to be built at Tenix's Williamstown Yard, Victoria, Australia with modules barged across the Tasman from Tenix's Whangarei, New Zealand shipbuilding facility.
* 22 February 2005 First OPV steel cut
* December 2005 OPV1 keel laid
* 31 March 2006 Future commissioned names announced - OPV1 to be HMNZS "Otago" (P148) and OPV2 to be HMNZS "Wellington" (P55)
* 18 November 2006 HMNZS Otago Launched (Video [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93fdXg-dMUk] )
* April 2007 planned delivery OPV1 to RNZN now revised to early 2008, due in service first quarter 2008
* October 2007 planned delivery OPV2 to RNZN now revised by NZDF to May/June 2008, due in service late 2008
* 27 October 2007 HMNZS Wellington Launched
* 30 October 2007 Announcement planned acquisition by NZDF of A109 light utility helicopter for training and deployment on RNZN ships including OPVs
* 12 September 2008 Minister announces delay in delivery of the two OPVs is primarily due to a questions of the ships' seaboats and Lloyds Certification. He says the issue is under negotiation with BAE (ex-Tenix). Once resolved, those ships which have completed their sea trials can be accepted.

Design origin

Conceived as part of Project Protector, the Ministry of Defence acquisition project to acquire one multi-role vessel, two offshore and four inshore patrol vessels. The Project Protector vessels will be operated by the RNZN to conduct tasks for and with the New Zealand Customs Service, the Department of Conservation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Fisheries, Maritime New Zealand, and New Zealand Police.

Variations of the OPV design are in service with the Irish Naval Service (since 1999) and the Mauritian Coast Guard (since 1996). The vessel is compliant with all of the operational requirements for patrol and response, cargo carriage and handling, sea keeping for sea boat and helicopter operations, and has a high level of comfort for crew and client agency officials.

Names

On 31 March 2006 the Hon. Phil Goff, Minister of Defence, announced that the OPVs will be named HMNZS "Otago" and HMNZS "Wellington". Otago and Wellington are the names of frigates previously operated by the RNZN. These ships will carry the honour board of their predecessors, and the heritage so represented.

An NZDF media release on 31 March 2006 gave pennant numbers for HMNZS "Otago" (P148) and HMNZS "Wellington"(P55).

Characteristics

= EEZ patrol and response =

* Sea boat deployment and recovery in sea state 4 (seas moderate, waves 1.25 - 2.5m)
* Helicopter launch and recovery in sea state 5 (seas rough, waves 2.5 - 4m)
* Vertrep in sea state 6 (seas very rough, waves 4 - 6m)
* Ability to patrol in sea state 6 and survive in sea state 9 (seas phenomenal, waves over 14m)

Ice strengthening

* Strengthened to provide Lloyds ice class 1C protection (thin or broken first year ice to a maximum depth of 0.4m).
* Involved strengthening the bow section, ice belt region, fin stabilisers, propulsion shaftline and the propellers.

Crew ranks and appointments

According to Written Question 01976 to the Minister of Defence, the ranks and appointments of the OPV will be as follows:

ee also

*LÉ Niamh (P52)
*LÉ Róisín (P51)
*Protector class IPV
*HMNZS Canterbury (L-421) MRV
*No. 6 Squadron RNZAF SH-2G Seaprite Squadron

External links

* [http://www.tenix.com/Main.asp?ID=973 Tenix Offshore Patrol Vessel]
* [http://www.sname.org/sections/pacific_northwest/images/SNAME%20PNW%20-%20NZ%20OPV%20Presentation.pdf Aker Marine design review]
* [http://www.navy.mil.nz/visit-the-fleet/naval-aviation/seasprite-specs.htm] Kaman SH-2G Seasprite Helicopter
* [http://www.akermarine.com/ship_patrol.html Aker Yards OPV Ship Design]
* [http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/media-releases/20071029-snopvl.htm Second Navy OPV launched 27 October 2007]
* [http://www.beehive.govt.nz/Print/PrintDocument.aspx?DocumentID=31146 Goff - New Helicopters selected for NZ Defence Force 30 October 2007]
* [http://www.agustawestland.com/products01_01.php?id_product=3 A109 Light Utility Helicopter]