New Zealand Navy Orders Polar-class Support Tanker

The new vessel, which will replace the 30-year-old HMNZS Endeavor, will be significantly larger than its predecessor. The 23,000-metric-ton tanker will carry out operations in extreme Antarctic conditions and is strengthened and winterized to Polar code 6 requirements.

Used under license, the Rolls-Royce Environship concept design will be built by prime contractor Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) as part of the New Zealand Defense Force’s Maritime Sustainment Capability (MSC) project.

“We see significant value in the Environship concept in the naval sector,” said Sam Cameron, senior VP naval sales and business development at Rolls-Royce. “Securing this milestone contract for a naval application is important in showcasing our naval ship design offering.

Under the contract, Rolls-Royce will also supply a wide range of equipment to be delivered to the South Korean builder from 2018, with vessel delivery scheduled for 2020. A combined diesel electric and diesel (CODLAD) propulsion system, with two Bergen main engines driving CP propellers through a reduction gearbox. Four MTU high speed diesel gensets will supply electricity for the vessel and other equipment that includes bow thruster, the all-electric RAS/FAS system, other equipment includes rotary vane steering gear with rudders and the propeller shafts.

The electric RAS/FAS system allows simpler and quieter replenishment/fuelling-at-sea operations and will enable the tanker to refuel two ships at a time while underway. It will also carry and refuel Defense Force helicopters, produce and store water and transport bulk goods to bases in Antarctica during the summer months.