New Zealand commissions new replenishment vessel, its largest ship ever.

The HMNZS Aotearoa (A 11). Photo c/o Royal New Zealand Navy.

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has commissioned its Polar-class new auxiliary replenishment vessel, the HMNZS Aotearoa (A 11) during ceremonies held on 29 July 2020 at Davenport Naval Base in Auckland.

The new ship was built by South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), and was delivered to the RNZN on June 2020. It is expected to reach full operational capability by 2021.

The ship is considered the fist naval ship to use the Enviroship concept, with a wave-piercing hull for efficiency and reduced fuel consumption, and is designed with a strengthened bow for Antarctic operations.

The ship has complement of 64 officers and sailors, and can also accommodate additional crew including 11 flight staff, 14 trainees, 8 mission team members, and a VIP passenger.

The HMNZS Aotearoa can carry up to 8,000 tons of diesel fuel, 1,550 tons of aviation fuel, and 250 tons of fresh water for resupply missions.

It can also accommodate up to 14 standard 20-foot containers in single stack, or up to 22 containers double stacked for ammunition, food and supplies, while also capable of producing fresh water of up to 100 tons per day.

The ship would be equipped with a Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS) to defend against anti-ship missiles and low flying aircraft. She would also be equipped with two Rafael Mini Typhoon 12.7mm remote controlled weapon stations, one each at the port and starboard sides for self-defense against fast moving surface threats.

The ship has a displacement of 26,000 tons, a length of 173.2 meters, and a width of 24.5 meters. It is powered by 2 Rolls-Royce Bergen B33:45L9P diesel engines supplemented by 2 electric power take in motors, in Combined Diesel-Electric and Diesel (CODLAD) configuration, enabling a maximum speed of 16 knots and a range of 6,750 nautical miles.


[1] Stuff New Zealand
[2] Navy Recognition