Royal New Zealand Navy Discussions and Updates

[40 deg south]

The only comment on here that I have made is in support of government policy and cabinet decisions. The DWP 2016 is very clear what the government wants from the NZDF and this tanker is directly in support of that stance including an increased focus on the southern ocean and Antarctica. We continue to learn from our past and some of these lessons have been included in this proposal. The design is not final yet and there is at least another year of work required until we have contract; this is just the announcement of the yard to build the ship. What we know is that this tanker will meet the new legislative requirements and international regulations for tankers and ships that operate in the Southern Ocean. It will also fully support the Amphibious capability of the NZDF by providing support at and from the sea

There were a couple of interesting comments in the Facebook thread under the RNZN post on the new tanker. I'd been wondering about the four-year lag for order to delivery, and this one provides an explanation. I have no knowledge of the poster or how well-informed he is, but is sounds highly plausible. Getting the last 5% of any design nailed down can be extremely time-consuming. And that's only when renovating a kitchen!

I've left the poster's name off, but thank him for the insight.

 

[40 deg south]

The other stand-out quote was a bit from left field - it claimed the Endeavour replacement is a Rolls Royce design. That vaguely triggered some vague recollection, so I spent a few minutes on google.

The Nov 2015 APDR had the usual 'Across the Tasman' update, which contained the following quote about the Endeavour project:

APDR does know that HHI and Rolls Royce are working together closely.

Rolls Royce is certainly actively seeking design work in this area.
Rolls-Royce creates dedicated team focused on naval ship design – Rolls-Royce

This is an image that originally accompanied the above media release. While it isn't the same design as the new Endeavour, it is also not a million miles removed.

https://www.google.com/search?q=rol...hVMyWMKHbSDBa84FBDsCQg1#imgrc=QgJA_1A_7am-aM:

Rolls-Royce wins £45M contract from Hyundai to design and equip four offshore vessels – Rolls-Royce

There is a precedent for Hyundai contracting design work to Rolls, for an order of deep sea platform support vessels in 2012.

Finally, if you dig around you find RR designers have been publishing conference papers on support ship design, which include some innovative hull and bow designs.
http://www.brycheins.com/Pacific2004FamilyOfFastShips.pdf

I guess the August issue of Navy Today will tell us more, but I think it is distinctly possible that Hyundai has used some design elements from Rolls in their bid.

 

[40 deg south]

In port visit, New Zealand and U.S. seek to bolster military ties

Defence News take on the proposed USN visit to NZ.

 

[ngatimozart]

In port visit, New Zealand and U.S. seek to bolster military ties

Defence News take on the proposed USN visit to NZ.

Definitely a destroyer too

 

[htbrst]

Definitely a destroyer too

Maybe the former HMNZS Resolution could join the party- its back in the area surveying the route for a new internet cable

Former warship to commence marine survey for Hawaiki's $500m internet cable | Stuff.co.nz

The vessel will be better known to many New Zealanders as HMNZS Resolution, which was its name before it was decommissioned and sold by the navy to EGS in 2012.

RV Geo Resolution has now been repainted red with the word "survey" on its hull and has no obvious signs of its military past.

 

[40 deg south]

Maybe the former HMNZS Resolution could join the party- its back in the area surveying the route for a new internet cable

Former warship to commence marine survey for Hawaiki's $500m internet cable | Stuff.co.nz

An interesting third life for an old workhorse.

While those of us on this site tend to be pretty fixated on military equipment, a new internet cable that connects Polynesia to the rest of the world will be a really significant boost to some very poor neighbours. It's very hard to run a hotel/resort these days (or even get bookings) without offering guests internet access.

Having it based out of NZ could have useful security implications.I just hope the funding is as locked-in as they claim.

 

[40 deg south]

OSI Signs Contract to Supply Radar for RNZN ANZAC FSU Project

Work on the ANZAC upgrade keeps ticking along. RNZAF has an existing relationship with the Canadian integrator.

Chart Radar (FAR-3000) | Marine Equipment For Merchant Marine | FURUNO

Details on the radar here.

Interesting that it is a Japanese unit. Am I correct in thinking it wouldn't have been possible for Furuno to install this on a military vessel until recently?

People looking at the potential for Japanese military exports tend to be overly focused on high-profile high-value units (submarines! MPAs!!). In reality, we are likely to see lots of smaller deals as high-tech Japanese firms (of which there are many) modify their existing civilian product range for military purposes, and start developing purpose-built military designs. The big impact may be as a supplier of systems and components, rather than purely Japanese platforms.

 

[CJohn]

Further information on the new MSC projest from Hyundai Heavy Industries.
The Logistics Support Vessel will be the largest ship built for the RNZN at 23,000 tons. and will be delivered by late 2019.

Also same interesting information on ship design and ship systems.

The vessel has adopted Environship Leadge Bow* for improved fuel efficiency, maneuverability and stability. The Electric Replenishment/Fuelling-at-sea systems allow ease of control and quieter operation while CODLAD* (combined diesel-electric and diesel) propulsion system reduces emissions and ensures longer engine life. With the main crane located at the center of the vessel weighting 25 tons with a wider-than-average operating range of 23 m, the tanker can load and offload container boxes and bulk goods more effectively.

[URL="http://www.yourdefencenews.com/hhi+wins+logistics+support+vessel+order+for+new+zealand's+maritime+sustainment+capability_135338.html"]here[/URL] is the source.

 

[ngatimozart]

Further information on the new MSC projest from Hyundai Heavy Industries.
The Logistics Support Vessel will be the largest ship built for the RNZN at 23,000 tons. and will be delivered by late 2019.

Also same interesting information on ship design and ship systems.

[URL="http://www.yourdefencenews.com/hhi+wins+logistics+support+vessel+order+for+new+zealand's+maritime+sustainment+capability_135338.html"]here[/URL] is the source.

URL CORRECTION Your Defence News | HHI wins logistics support vessel order for New Zealand's Maritime Sustainment Capability

 

[kiwipatriot69]

URL CORRECTION Your Defence News | HHI wins logistics support vessel order for New Zealand's Maritime Sustainment Capability

All the same, good to see we might be getting her a bit earlier than 2020! still at least a year without the capability,after retiring Endeavour. I wonder how the ships specs would compare to the new Australian navy tankers planned, ice strengthening aside

 

[Joe Black]

Just out of curiosity. RNZN does not have any subs, do they do their ASW training with the RAN?

 

[Lucasnz]

Just out of curiosity. RNZN does not have any subs, do they do their ASW training with the RAN?

Basic training is via the operational simulator at Devonport. Actual Sonar Time has always been on the basis of when a sub is availabe or during excerises etc.

 

[MrConservative]

People looking at the potential for Japanese military exports tend to be overly focused on high-profile high-value units (submarines! MPAs!!). In reality, we are likely to see lots of smaller deals as high-tech Japanese firms (of which there are many) modify their existing civilian product range for military purposes, and start developing purpose-built military designs. The big impact may be as a supplier of systems and components, rather than purely Japanese platforms.

Absolutely. Though Japan will push for flagship deals much of the industrial space will be from firms whom have traditionally been suppliers to the electronics and motor vehicle industries, which though mature do not offer the opportunity for future business growth. The defence sector provides this.

People will see over the next decade an evolution away from European solutions within NZ defence procurement towards Asia, in particular greater Korean, Singaporean and Japanese involvement.

 

[Joe Black]

Basic training is via the operational simulator at Devonport. Actual Sonar Time has always been on the basis of when a sub is availabe or during excerises etc.

Assuming here you are saying when Aussie subs are available, or when RNZN goes to an exercise like the FPDA, maybe a Singaporean or Malaysian sub? I would hazard to guess that RNZN don't get too much of actual sonar time then, plus some countries other than us Aussies wouldn't be too happy for their subs to be used as target and let others know their signature and noise profiles?

 

[Lucasnz]

Assuming here you are saying when Aussie subs are available, or when RNZN goes to an exercise like the FPDA, maybe a Singaporean or Malaysian sub? I would hazard to guess that RNZN don't get too much of actual sonar time then, plus some countries other than us Aussies wouldn't be too happy for their subs to be used as target and let others know their signature and noise profiles?

Sonar was not my specialisation when I was in the regulars (last century), so I can't answer the finer details, especially now. Someone with more recent experience might be able to help but I suspect operational security will prevent anyone saying anything.

 

[40 deg south]

Now for something a little different...

L'Astrolabe | Aker Arctic

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L'Astrolabe_(2016_icebreaker)

Nicked from HK at the Warships1 site.

The French operate on the other side of the polar cap to us, so we rarely sight their southern ocean vessels.

This new light icebreaker/logistics vessel ought to provide RNZN some food for thought. Designed in Finland by Aker Ice, hull from Gdansk in Poland, towed to France for completion and fit-out. Wikipedia claims a 50 million Euro cost, which seems very low. They are certainly expecting to do a lot with a 72m vessel.

With this and the B2Ms, France seems to be on a roll with simple uncomplicated work-horse vessels.

 

[kiwipatriot69]

Assuming here you are saying when Aussie subs are available, or when RNZN goes to an exercise like the FPDA, maybe a Singaporean or Malaysian sub? I would hazard to guess that RNZN don't get too much of actual sonar time then, plus some countries other than us Aussies wouldn't be too happy for their subs to be used as target and let others know their signature and noise profiles?

We were conducting those exersizes recently at Rimpac with our P3 Orions, mentioned on RNZAF thread earlier,with other nations. Also mentioned here airforce threads regards to Mpa is our assistance with rebuilding the MPA capabilities of RAF.

 

[40 deg south]

Further information on the new MSC projest from Hyundai Heavy Industries.
The Logistics Support Vessel will be the largest ship built for the RNZN at 23,000 tons. and will be delivered by late 2019.

Also same interesting information on ship design and ship systems.
.

Pleased to have my speculation about Rolls Royce involvement confirmed so quickly!

The 'Leadge Bow' in a new term to me, so I looked it up. Turns out to come from 'Leading' and 'Edge', and is another variant on a novel bow shape like Sea-Axe (Damen) and X-bow (Ulstein). Originally from Japan, but RR seem to have patented their own variant of it. Plenty of pictures on google.

https://issuu.com/shipinsight/docs/energy_saving_devices/17
A brief summary here - click to expand.

'Environship' is a proprietary term used by Rolls Royce to describe a package of improvements designed to reduce fuel use and emissions. It includes a novel bow, hull tweaks, a combined propeller/rudder set-up to reduce drag and a diesel-electric drive-train. It isn't clear whether HHI have gone for the full Environship package, or just selected bits of it.

Environship – Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Environship proves its worth | IHS Fairplay

I've seen a RR PDF of three sized of logistic support vessels built on the Environship hull, the middle of which looked very similar in size to NZ's requirement. Damned if I can find it again though.

Bigger than the Cantabria design that Australia have chosen (23,000 tonnes vs. 19,500) and also more risky, as not based on an existing vessel. I really hope HHI can deliver the goods without too many teething problems.

 

[vonnoobie]

Now for something a little different...

L'Astrolabe | Aker Arctic

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L'Astrolabe_(2016_icebreaker)

Nicked from HK at the Warships1 site.

The French operate on the other side of the polar cap to us, so we rarely sight their southern ocean vessels.

This new light icebreaker/logistics vessel ought to provide RNZN some food for thought. Designed in Finland by Aker Ice, hull from Gdansk in Poland, towed to France for completion and fit-out. Wikipedia claims a 50 million Euro cost, which seems very low. They are certainly expecting to do a lot with a 72m vessel.

With this and the B2Ms, France seems to be on a roll with simple uncomplicated work-horse vessels.

Hard to find any real details on the ship, Guess it's just not flashy enough for the press... Did find out though this one will be operating from our side of the polar cap out of Hobart.

Will be 1,850 ton, be able to carry 2 helicopters and containerized cargo.

 

[kiwipatriot69]

Yes, if dedicated antarctic supply was going to be the only role the future logistics support vessel was meant for.