New Zealand retires two inshore patrol vessels in preparation for wider offshore roles

The HMNZS Rotoiti (foreground) and HMNZS Pukaki (background) in 2010. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has recently decommissioned two of its 55-meter, 340-ton Lake-class inshore patrol vessels ion 17 October 2019, after only 10 years of service.

This is in preparation for a wider offshore role and integration of larger offshore patrol vessels in the near future.

The ships, the HMNZS Rotoiti (P3569) and HMNZS Pukaki (P3568), were acquired as part of the RNSN’s Project Protector together with two more sisterships, two offshore patrol vessels and a multirole vessel.

The ships were found to be unsuitable for deployment on heavy seas, which requires the RNZN to instead acquire larger offshore patrol vessels under the Southern Ocean Patrol Vessel Program which will be started soon.

No word was made on how to dispose the ships, although it is highly likely to be offered for sale to friendly countries. Two more ships of the class are expected to be decommissioned soon for the same reasons as the first two.

The ships are lightly armed with only three (3) 12.7mm heavy machine guns. But these ships are able to conduct operations of up to Sea State 5 and survive conditions up to Sea State 8. It has a maximum speed of 25 knots, and a patrol speed of 16 knots. Maximum range can reach up to 3,000 nautical miles at patrol speed.



[1] Naval Today
[2] Jane’s Navy International