Hyundai to build New Zealand military ship

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has unveiled on April 10, the name of its future largest ever vessel and announced the South Korean company as constructor.

The HMNZS Aotearoa is expected to be a 24,000 ton vessel and 173 meter long and thus the largest ship to be operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Rear Admiral Martin said: “Aotearoa will have the ability to deploy anywhere in the world to support maritime operations and enhance our combat force. It has the ability to conduct embarked helicopter operations and will be capable of carrying a significant tonnage of operational supplies. And it will provide an important Antarctic support capability to assist with our Southern Ocean monitoring.”

The South Korean Hyundai Heavy Industries is designated to start the construction project next year and deliver the $493M ship in January 2020.

Hyundai plans to use the Rolls-Royce Environship concept design that features a new wave-piercing hull in order to reduce resistance and lower fuel use. Its combined diesel electric and diesel propulsion plant would also allow the new ship to generate less fuel emissions than older vessels.

The Ship’s name is a reference to the battle cruiser HMS New Zealand, known for having taken part in three maritime battles during the First World War.

HMNZS Aotearoa vessel will replace the current fuel replenishment ship Endeavour.