HMNZS Aotearoa
{{Short description|A ship of New Zealand Navy}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
| {{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image | Ship image = File:HMNZS Aotearoa (A11) participating in the International Fleet Review 2022.jpg| | Ship image size = 300px | Ship caption = HMNZS Aotearoa in 2022 | image alt = Colour photo of a grey ship at sea }} {{Infobox ship career | Hide header = | Ship country = New Zealand | Ship flag = {{shipboxflag|NZ|naval}} | Ship name = Aotearoa | Ship namesake = Māori for New Zealand | Ship ordered = 2016 | Ship original cost = NZ$493 million 2016{{hsp}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/new-defence-force-navy-tanker-to-cost-493-million/D3XYCOA6SBGJ2R33P3RYMSMDNM/ |title=New Defence Force Navy tanker to cost $493 million |work=The New Zealand Herald |last=Trevett |first=Claire |date=18 July 2016 |access-date=7 February 2021}} | Ship builder = Hyundai Heavy Industries | Ship laid down = 13 August 2018 | Ship launched = 24 April 2019 | Ship sponsor = Patsy Reddy | Ship commissioned = {{Start date and age|2020|07|29|df=yes|p=yes}}{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300069102/hmnzs-aotearoa-largest-ever-navy-ship-commissioned-in-emotional-ceremony |title=HMNZS Aotearoa: Largest ever Navy ship commissioned in emotional ceremony |last=Block |first=George |work=Stuff News |date=29 July 2020 |access-date=29 July 2020 |archive-date=29 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729172402/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300069102/hmnzs-aotearoa-largest-ever-navy-ship-commissioned-in-emotional-ceremony |url-status=live }} | Ship in service = | Ship homeport = New Plymouth | Ship identification = *Callsign: ZMKC
| Ship status = In Service | Ship badge = }} {{Infobox ship characteristics | Hide header = | Ship type = Auxiliary ship | Ship displacement = {{convert|26,000|t|LT|lk=on|abbr=on}} | Ship length = {{convert|173.2|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | Ship beam = {{convert|24.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | Ship draft = | Ship propulsion = * Configured with combined diesel-electric and diesel system
| Ship speed = * Cruise: {{convert|16|kn|lk=in}} | Ship range = * {{Unbulleted indent list | {{convert|6,750|nmi |
| Ship endurance =
| Ship capacity = * Liquid cargo capacity: {{Unbulleted indent list | • Diesel: {{convert|8,000|MT|lb}}| • Aviation fuel: {{convert|1,500|MT|lb}}}}
- Typical dry goods cargo capacity: {{Unbulleted indent list|Up to 22 units of TEU containers{{cite news |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/navy/capability/hmsnzs-aotearoa-a11/ |title=HMNZS Aotearoa - A11 |publisher=Royal New Zealand Navy |access-date=21 September 2020 |archive-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921191617/https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/navy/capability/hmsnzs-aotearoa-a11/ |url-status=live }}}}
| Ship sensors = * Sonar: FarSounder Argos 1000
- Radars: {{Unbulleted indent list | • SharpEye Mk II S- and X-band (navigation) | • Over-the-horizon radar}}
| Ship EW = * Electronic support measures:
- {{Unbulleted indent list | • Radar Detection System (RDS) | • CommSECA Communication Detection System (CDS)}}
| Ship armament = * 1 × Phalanx CIWS (for, but not with)
- 2 × Rafael Mini Typhoon weapon station
| Ship armor =
| Ship aircraft = 1 × Helicopter (SH-2G, NH90, or A109LUH)
| Ship aircraft facilities = *1 × Helicopter hangar
- 1 × Helicopter deck (stern)
| Ship notes =
| Ship ice class = Polar Class 6
| Ship power = * Main engine: {{Unbulleted indent list|2 x Rolls-Royce Bergen B Series – for propulsion (5.4 MW each)}}
- Generator: {{Unbulleted indent list | 4 x MTU Series 4000 diesel generator (2.6 MW each)}}
- Emergency generator: {{Unbulleted indent list|1 x STX KTA19 Series (410 kW)}}
| Ship complement = *Core crew: 64
- Other: 11 flight, 14 trainees
| Ship boats = *1 × Zodiac J5 RHIB
| Ship draught = {{convert|8.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
}}
|}
HMNZS Aotearoa ({{IPA|mi|aɔˈtɛaɾɔa|lang}}),{{efn|HMNZS is a ship prefix meaning His Majesty's New Zealand Ship.}} formerly the Maritime Sustainment Capability project, is an auxiliary ship of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Builder Hyundai Heavy Industries delivered the ship to the Navy in June 2020,{{cite web |url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/hhi-delivers-rnzn-hmnzs-aotearoa-logistics-support-vessel/ |title=HHI delivers RNZN HMNZS Aotearoa logistics support vessel |work=naval-technology.com |date=12 June 2020 |access-date=7 February 2021 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629185832/https://www.naval-technology.com/news/hhi-delivers-rnzn-hmnzs-aotearoa-logistics-support-vessel/ |url-status=live }} and she was commissioned into service on 29 July 2020. Full operational capability was expected to be achieved in 2021.{{cite web |url=https://medium.com/@nzdefenceforce/feature-behind-the-scenes-of-aoteaoa-b981465c5652 |title=Feature: Behind the Scenes of Aotearoa |publisher=New Zealand Defence Force |website=Medium |type=Blog post |date=10 April 2018 |access-date=17 April 2018 |archive-date=18 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418032347/https://medium.com/@nzdefenceforce/feature-behind-the-scenes-of-aoteaoa-b981465c5652 |url-status=live }} The vessel serves as a replenishment oiler, and has replaced {{HMNZS|Endeavour|A11|6}}, the Navy’s last fleet oiler, which was decommissioned in December 2017.
Aotearoa is the largest ship the Royal New Zealand Navy has operated.{{cite press release |url=http://www.navy.mil.nz/nap/news/media-release.htm@guid=%7B3fbb829b-cf9c-470c-9ccb-eda92b1ae7a7%7D.htm |title='Aotearoa' The Name Chosen for Navy's Largest Ship |date=10 April 2017 |access-date=13 April 2018 |publisher=Royal New Zealand Navy |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216034421/http://www.navy.mil.nz/nap/news/media-release.htm@guid=%7B3fbb829b-cf9c-470c-9ccb-eda92b1ae7a7%7D.htm }}
Name
HMNZS Aotearoa bears the Māori name for New Zealand. Aotearoa is commonly translated "the land of the long white cloud".{{cite news |title=Swirling cloud captured above New Zealand - 'The Land of the Long White Cloud' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/newzealand/4315307/Swirling-cloud-captured-above-New-Zealand-The-Land-of-the-Long-White-Cloud.html |work=Telegraph.co.uk |date=22 January 2009 |access-date=7 February 2021 |language=en |archive-date=18 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418115106/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/newzealand/4315307/Swirling-cloud-captured-above-New-Zealand-The-Land-of-the-Long-White-Cloud.html |url-status=live }} The ship has been assigned the pennant number A11.
Design and description
The ship is ice-strengthened{{Cite web |last=Gain |first=Nathan |date=2020-07-29 |title=Royal New Zealand Navy commissions HMNZS Aotearoa Polar-class support vessel |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/07/royal-new-zealand-navy-commissions-hmnzs-aotearoa-polar-class-support-vessel/ |access-date=2023-04-12 |website=Naval News |language=en-US |archive-date=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330143656/https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/07/royal-new-zealand-navy-commissions-hmnzs-aotearoa-polar-class-support-vessel/ |url-status=live }} and winterised to facilitate operations in Antarctica's weather conditions where Scott Base is located.{{Cite news|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/hmnzs-aotearoa-logistics-support-vessel/|title=HMNZS Aotearoa Logistics Support Vessel|work=Naval Technology|access-date=7 February 2021|language=en-GB|archive-date=7 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707215952/https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/hmnzs-aotearoa-logistics-support-vessel/|url-status=live}}
File:Bow of HMNZS Aotearoa in June 2022.jpg
In addition to the wave-piercing hull design, this was Rolls-Royce's first naval hybrid electrical system. Rolls-Royce designed a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, known as the combined diesel-electric and diesel (CODLAD) system, solution that provides the ship with an optimised and flexible power plant with several fuel-saving operating modes.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-08 |title=HMNZS AOTEAROA Supplying and Integrating the Hybrid Electric Power & Propulsion System for New Zealand's Largest Vessel |url=https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/our-stories/discover/2020/hmnzs-aotearoa.aspx |website=Rolls Royce |access-date=7 November 2021 |archive-date=10 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610233845/https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/our-stories/discover/2020/hmnzs-aotearoa.aspx |url-status=live }} The ability to propel the ship using the electrical power through the MTU Series 4000 diesel generator whilst also providing electrical power for the ship’s hotel services and mission systems means that the vessel's fuel consumption is significantly reduced and emissions are minimised. The Rolls-Royce Power & Propulsion System arrangement consists of two Bergen B series engines, specifically, B33:45L9P, for main propulsion and four MTU Series 4000 diesel generator sets. Aotearoa is a Polar Class (PC) 6, Logistics Support ship designed and built with specialised winterisation capabilities for her operations in Antarctica. The electrical sub-systems were designed to support the high power generation capacity required for an ice-class ship.{{cite web|url=https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/our-stories/discover/2020/hmnzs-aotearoa.aspx|title=HMNZS AOTEAROA Supplying and Integrating the Hybrid Electric Power & Propulsion System for New Zealand's Largest Vessel|website=Rolls-Royce website|access-date=7 November 2021|archive-date=10 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610233845/https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/our-stories/discover/2020/hmnzs-aotearoa.aspx|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Maritime |first=Baird |date=2021-07-23 |title=VESSEL REVIEW {{!}} Aotearoa – Large supply tanker to support Royal New Zealand Navy's deployed task forces |url=https://www.bairdmaritime.com/ausmarine/ausmarine-maritime-security/vessel-review-aotearoa-large-supply-tanker-to-support-royal-new-zealand-navys-deployed-task-forces |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=Baird Maritime / Work Boat World |language=en |archive-date=9 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009041904/https://www.bairdmaritime.com/ausmarine/ausmarine-maritime-security/vessel-review-aotearoa-large-supply-tanker-to-support-royal-new-zealand-navys-deployed-task-forces |url-status=live }}
Aotearoa is intended to support other navy warships by enabling re-fueling (diesel) and re-supplying (food and ammunition) during operations. The {{convert|26,000|tonne|LT|adj=on|lk=on}} ship will provide marine diesel oil and aviation fuel. Aotearoa has the capacity to store up to 22 units of twenty-foot shipping containers, where four dedicated dangerous goods container stations could store ammunition or explosives. It has a 25 ton crane capable of loading and unloading goods, minimising the need for shore cranes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aotearoa.mil.nz/|title=HMNZS Aotearoa - Badge Competition|website=HMNZS Aotearoa - Badge Competition|language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-18|url-status=dead|archive-date=2018-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318120715/https://www.aotearoa.mil.nz/}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qj3uHHA6Kg |title=Take a Tour: HMNZS AOTEAROA |date=2020-10-17 |last=NZ Defence Force |access-date=2024-10-09 |via=YouTube |archive-date=19 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019002621/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qj3uHHA6Kg |url-status=live }} Aotearoa has a Kelvin Hughes Integrated Naval Bridge System and is equipped with Farsounder-1000 sonar.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/may-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6229-farsounder-sonar-for-royal-new-zealand-navy-future-hmnzs-aotearoa-tanker.html|title=FarSounder Sonar for Royal New Zealand Navy Future HMNZS Aotearoa Tanker|website=Navy Recognition|date=16 May 2018|language=en-US|access-date=7 February 2021|archive-date=10 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710074134/https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2018/may-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6229-farsounder-sonar-for-royal-new-zealand-navy-future-hmnzs-aotearoa-tanker.html|url-status=live}} For navigation radar sensors it uses SharpEye S and X-Band with an S-Band SharpEye sensor optimised for helicopter approach and control.{{Cite web |url=https://navaltoday.com/2017/09/14/new-zealand-navys-largest-ship-to-feature-kelvin-hughes-navigation-systems/ |title=New Zealand Navy's largest ship to feature Kelvin Hughes navigation systems |website=Navy Recognition |date=14 September 2017 |language=en-US |access-date=7 February 2021 |archive-date=8 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708165845/https://www.navaltoday.com/2017/09/14/new-zealand-navys-largest-ship-to-feature-kelvin-hughes-navigation-systems/ |url-status=live }} It is armed with a Phalanx CIWS (Fitted for, but not with) and two Mini Typhoon mounts and has a flight deck and hangar for helicopter operations.{{cite report |url=https://info.cartenav.com/hubfs/CN%20Case%20Study%20HMRNZS%20Aotearoa%20Print%20Final.pdf |title=HMNZS AOTEAROA: How the royal New Zealand navy's Largest Ship Uses ISR Mission Software to Power Global Sustainment |author= |date=2024-10-08 |publisher=CarteNav |publication-date=2023 |page= |docket= |quote= |author-link= |access-date=2024-10-08 |url-status=live |archive-date=9 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009025356/https://info.cartenav.com/hubfs/CN%20Case%20Study%20HMRNZS%20Aotearoa%20Print%20Final.pdf }}{{Cite web |title=HMNZS Aotearoa |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdf/our-equipment/ships-and-watercraft/hmnzs-aotearoa/ |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=NZDF |language=en-NZ |archive-date=25 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125083406/https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdf/our-equipment/ships-and-watercraft/hmnzs-aotearoa/ |url-status=live }}
Construction
The contract was awarded to Hyundai Heavy Industries using a Rolls-Royce Environship concept design, beating competition from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering offering a variant of the BMT designed Royal Fleet Auxiliary {{sclass2|Tide|tanker|0}} tanker.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/hyundai-heavy-beats-out-daewoo-shipbuilding-win-493m-contract-ice-capable-nz-tanker-b-191755|title=Hyundai Heavy beats out Daewoo Shipbuilding to win $493m contract for ice-capable NZ tanker|date=18 July 2016|last=Underhill|first=Jonathon|work=The National Business Review|access-date=7 February 2021|language=en|archive-date=7 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707181129/https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/hyundai-heavy-beats-out-daewoo-shipbuilding-win-493m-contract-ice-capable-nz-tanker-b-191755|url-status=dead}} The ship was laid down on 13 August 2018.{{cite news |title='Birth Day' of New Zealand's Largest-Ever Navy Ship |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1808/S00191/birth-day-of-new-zealands-largest-ever-navy-ship.htm |work=Scoop Politics |agency=NZDF press release |date=14 August 2018 |access-date=7 February 2021 |archive-date=14 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814072114/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1808/S00191/birth-day-of-new-zealands-largest-ever-navy-ship.htm |url-status=live }} It was launched in April 2019, began builder's sea trials in December of that year and was formally delivered in June 2020.{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/12/hhi-starts-builder-trials-of-royal-new-zealand-navy-new-auxiliary-ship/ |title=HHI Starts Builder Trials Of Royal New Zealand Navy New Auxiliary Ship |work=navalnews.com |last=Vavasseur |first=Xavier |date=13 December 2019 |access-date=7 February 2021 |archive-date=15 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815024810/https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/12/hhi-starts-builder-trials-of-royal-new-zealand-navy-new-auxiliary-ship/ |url-status=live }} It was originally intended to be delivered in January 2020, but its departure from the shipyard in South Korea was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Operational history
File:HMNZS Aotearoa (A11) refuels USS Howard (DDG-83) in the Pacific Ocean on 23 November 2021.jpg
Aotearoa conducted her first 'replenishment at sea' (RAS) trials on 3 March 2021 with {{HMAS|Hobart|DDG 39|6}} and {{HMAS|Parramatta|FFH 154|6}} as part of her sea trials and bring the vessel up to operational standard off Australia’s east coast.{{cite news|title=HMNZS Aotearoa first RAS|url=https://twitter.com/NZNavy/status/1366964400721072134|date=3 March 2021|access-date=6 March 2021|archive-date=3 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303044358/https://twitter.com/NZNavy/status/1366964400721072134|url-status=live}} Aotearoa and {{HMNZS|Te Kaha}} participated in an international defence exercise in South East Asia in 2021 and also interacted with the United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) as it conducted engagement activities in the Indo-Pacific region.{{cite news|title=NZDF exercises with international counterparts in South East Asia|url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdf/news/nzdf-exercises-with-international-counterparts-in-south-east-asia/|date=9 September 2021|access-date=11 September 2021|archive-date=11 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911092543/https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdf/news/nzdf-exercises-with-international-counterparts-in-south-east-asia/|url-status=live}}
In response to the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai eruption and tsunami, Aotearoa and {{HMNZS|Wellington|P55|6}} were deployed to provide water supplies, survey teams, and helicopter support.{{Cite news|date=2022-01-18|title=Tonga tsunami: Before and after eruption|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-60039542|access-date=2022-01-18|archive-date=18 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118155910/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-60039542|url-status=live}} In early 2022 Aotearoa made a successful resupply mission to McMurdo and Scott base Antarctica.{{Cite news|title=Successful resupply mission to Antarctica proves capability of NZ Navy ship|language=en-GB|url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/successful-resupply-mission-to-antarctica-proves-capability-of-nz-navy-ship/|date=16 February 2022|access-date=8 March 2022|archive-date=8 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308181738/https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/successful-resupply-mission-to-antarctica-proves-capability-of-nz-navy-ship/|url-status=live}} On 15 June Aotearoa set sail for RIMPAC 2022, where the vessel took part in the month-long exercise. Aotearoa remained in the Asia-Pacific region for nearly six months for various engagements that were not specified.{{Cite news|title=Navy's largest ship heads to major US-led RIMPAC military exercise, will spend months abroad|language=en-GB|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/128959568/navys-largest-ship-heads-to-major-usled-rimpac-military-exercise-will-spend-months-abroad|date=15 June 2022|access-date=26 June 2022|archive-date=26 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626040244/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/128959568/navys-largest-ship-heads-to-major-usled-rimpac-military-exercise-will-spend-months-abroad|url-status=live}}
In late September 2024 Defence Minister Judith Collins confirmed that the Aotearoa sailed through the disputed Taiwan Strait on 26 September with HMAS Sydney. In response, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that China "handles foreign warships' transit through the Taiwan Strait in accordance with laws and regulations".{{cite news |last1=Chittock |first1=Niva |title=NZ naval vessel sailing through Taiwan Strait 'routine movement' - Defence Minister |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/529229/nz-naval-vessel-sailing-through-taiwan-strait-routine-movement-defence-minister |access-date=30 September 2024 |work=RNZ |date=27 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927190112/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/529229/nz-naval-vessel-sailing-through-taiwan-strait-routine-movement-defence-minister |archive-date=27 September 2024|url-status=live}} On 29 September the Aotearoa and HMAS Sydney took part in a joint maritime patrol with Filipino, Japanese and United States warships and aircraft in the disputed South China Sea, which has been claimed by China.{{cite web |last1=Lariosa |first1=Aaron-Matthew |title=Warships from the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, U.S. and Japan Sail in Joint South China Sea Patrol |url=https://news.usni.org/2024/09/29/warships-from-the-philippines-australia-new-zealand-u-s-and-japan-sail-in-joint-south-china-sea-patrol |publisher=United States Naval Institute |access-date=30 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930012248/https://news.usni.org/2024/09/29/warships-from-the-philippines-australia-new-zealand-u-s-and-japan-sail-in-joint-south-china-sea-patrol |archive-date=30 September 2024 |date=29 September 2024 |url-status=live}}
{{ external media
| float = right
| width = 312px
| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otTDweBnQ8E HMNZS Aotearoa Replenishment Trials]
| video2 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qj3uHHA6Kg&ab_channel=NZDefenceForce Take a Tour: HMNZS Aotearoa]
| video3 = [https://twitter.com/NZNavy/status/1366964400721072134 HMNZS Aotearoa first Replenishment At Sea]
}}
Notes
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References
{{commons cat|HMNZS Aotearoa (A11)}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Aotearoa}}