Project Protector
Client
Royal New Zealand Navy
Description
To acquire a Multi-Role Vessel (MRV), and Offshore and Inshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs and IPVs). The primary role of the MRV is to provide the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) with a tactical sealift capability. In addition to this role, the MRV is able to provide a response capability to contingency operations in the New Zealand EEZ and the South Pacific, conduct sea training for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and contribute to the off shore patrol effort. The OPVs and IPVs are to be operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy to conduct tasks for and with the NZDF, New Zealand Customs, the Department of Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Fisheries, Maritime New Zealand and the New Zealand Police.
Government approval
In 2004, the Government approved a project budget of NZ$500 million excluding GST.
The following are the estimated costs (NZ$K) at this current stage of the project for each ship and class. The project is yet to be completed so final costs per vessel class have yet to be determined. The costs provided assumes that the $500M budget is expended. Costs for project management, spares, contingency and Government Furnished Equipment have been amortised across the three ship classes:
| Ship | Cost per class |
Cost per ship |
|---|---|---|
| MRV | 177,426 | 177,426 |
| OPV | 179,437 | 89,718 |
| IPV | 143,137 | 35,784 |
| Total | 500,000 |
Contract
A Contract was signed at the end of July 2004, with Tenix Defence Pty Limited (now BAE Systems Australia) for the provision of seven ships, comprising one MRV, two OPVs, and four IPVs.
The MRV was built in the Netherlands, the two OPVs in Melbourne and the four IPVs in Whangarei. The New Zealand industry component exceeded the contracted $110 million with over 85 New Zealand companies involved in the provision of work or equipment for Project Protector.
The Multi Role Vessel has been named HMNZS Canterbury. The two OPVs were named Otago and Wellington at their launch on 18 November 2006 and 27 October 2007 respectively. The four IPVs were named Rotoiti (on 4 August 2007) Hawea (15 December 2007), Pukaki (10 May 2008), and Taupo (23 August 2008) at ceremonies in Whangarei shortly after their launch.
Current status
The HMNZS Canterbury was delivered on 31 May 2007 and commissioned into RNZN service on 12 June 2007 in Melbourne. She has since been undertaking an introduction to service programme with the RNZN.
On 20 December last year, the Minister of Defence announced the commissioning of an independent review of the acquisition and introduction into service of the HMNZS Canterbury.
The report was publicly released on 12 September 2008. The report's recommendations are under action.
- View the Independent Review of the Safety and Functionality of HMNZS Canterbury
- View the Annexes of the Review of the Safety and Functionality of HMNZS Canterbury
The two OPVs have successfully completed sea trials and are in the final preparation stages for delivery which is expected later this year.
All four IPVs have been delivered - HMNZ ships:
- ROTOITI delivered on 16 April 2009 and commissioned into RNZN service on 17 April 2009
- HAWEA delivered and commissioned into RNZN service on 1 May 2009
- PUKAKI delivered and commissioned into RNZN service on 14 May 2009
- TAUPO delivered on 28 May 2009 and commissioned into RNZN service on 29 May 2009.
All four IPVs are now at the Devonport Naval Base for fitting of some non contract equipment and Zodiac seaboats.
The IPVs will commence their operational release and workup programmes over the next two months.
Contact
Acquisition Division
Ministry of Defence
PO Box 12703
Molesworth Street
Wellington 6144
New Zealand
Phone: +64 4 496 0678
Fax: +64 4 496 0859
Email: info@defence.govt.nz
Data updated
June 2009