Second Project Protector IPV Launched

HMNZS Otago - Offshore Patrol Vessel (photo : DefGovtNZ)

Hawea, the second of four patrol boats on land built entirely in New Zealand by Tenix, was launched at the Port of Whangarei on Tuesday, December 11.

This is another important step in the introduction to the Navy of seven new ships under the Project Protector.

The first ship, the HMNZS Canterbury multi-role ship, was assigned to the Navy in June this year. The first offshore patrol boat, Otago, was launched in Williamstown in November 2006 and newer, the Wellington's second offshore patrol boat was launched in Williamstown in October this year.

Last week, Hawea's sibling boat, the first land patrol boat, Rotoiti, successfully completed his sea trial in the Whangarei Port area. He was launched at the end of July this year and was appointed a week later at the Tenix shipyard in Whangarei.

OPV class of the Royal New Zealand navy (image : Geocities)

At the end of 2008, the Navy Protector Fleet will consist of seven ships from three different classes; One multi -role ship (MRV), two offshore patrol boats (OPV) and four land patrol boats (IPV).

Hawea will hold a naming ceremony on Saturday, December 15 starting at 12:30 pm. Launch Lady, Lady Sandra O'Regan, will give the name of the ship and bless all the screens inside him before the Champagne bottle is destroyed to the bow and handicraft of the second land patrol is a step closer to the delivery date. Tenix will start the appropriate ship and Hawea is scheduled to be officially handed over to the Navy in mid -2008.

Navy Head, Young Admiral David Ledson said, "The naming ceremony for the new Inshore Hawea patrol boat is another important milestone in the Project Protector. Hawea is the second of the four land patrol boats that will be launched and the three names of the names presented at RNZN.

The first is the Loch class fregate, among others, seeing operational services in Korea. The second is the lake class patrol boat that carries out several multi -important tasks in which the latest Hawea will be focused - including activities in supporting the Ministry of Fisheries, the Conservation Department and the Department of Customs and Excise. "

Hawea is affiliated with the Westport/Greymouth region and will be under the command of Lieutenant Grant Judson (Tauranga). Executive officials are Sub Lieutenant Damian Gibbs (Whangarei).