The Royal New Zealand Navy’s newest offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Otago will arrive at Auckland’s Devonport Naval Base on 9 April 2010.
Otago encountered engine problems while carrying out sea trials off Melbourne, delaying its maiden voyage to its home port.
HMNZS Otago is the first of the navy’s two offshore patrol ships. Its sister ship, HMNZS Wellington, the final ship of seven in the Project Protector plan, is expected to be delivered next month.
The 85m-long and 14m-wide patrol boat has a displacement capacity of 1,900t and can cruise at a maximum speed of 22kt.
The offshore patrol vessels are capable of performing several missions, including maritime counter-terrorism, surveillance and reconnaissance, surface contact detection, identification, interception and boarding, escort of vessels and maritime search and rescue.
