HMNZS OTAGO Conducts First Pacific Patrol (New Zealand)

HMNZS Otago (photo : defencetalk)

12 May, 2011 DEFENSE STUDIES

Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMNZS OTAGO, sailed today on its inaugural deployment to the South Pacific.

Under the command of Lieutenant Commander Simon Rooke, OTAGO and its ship’s company will be visiting Raoul Island, Tonga, Samoa, the Tokelau Islands, Rarotonga and Niue over 38 days.

While in the South Pacific the ship will be undertaking a range of activities including maritime security and surveillance patrols, humanitarian aid disaster relief activity, military and diplomatic engagement within the region and working with Pacific Island states to undertake fisheries surveillance patrols in support of the Forum Fisheries Agency.

OTAGO will also be involved with diverse tasks including: sea riding opportunities and engagement with the Mutual Assistance Programme, hosting 11 artists sponsored by the Pew Environment Group, and providing logistical support to the Department of Conservation amongst other diplomatic engagement activities with the Pacific Island Nations.

Concurrent with these activities, the ship will continue to undergo sea trials and continuation training both at sea and alongside in order to contribute to the full release of the Offshore Patrol Vessel's capability.

“This is the first international deployment for OTAGO which offers a new capability in supporting New Zealand’s Pacific Island neighbours” said Lieutenant Commander Rooke.

“The voyage will offer up some challenges for all of us and is a chance to demonstrate how our new ship can operate in the heat of the tropics.”

“We are also looking forward to interacting with ships from the nations we are visiting to enhance our ability to operate together for activities such as Search and Rescue and Resource protection.”

Ship Information

Displacement 1900 tonnes

Length 85 metres

Beam 14 metres

Speed 22 knots

Range 6000 nautical miles

Propulsion 2x Mann Burmeister & Wain 12RK280 diesels producing 5400 kW

Core Complement 35

Flight personnel 10

Multi Agency Complement 4

Additional personnel 30

Total Complement 79

Boat Capacity 2 x 7.3 m Zodiac RHIB

Deployable by 2 x Powered Davits

(RNZ Navy)