Performance of the New Zealand Warship Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries

[Senior Researcher Chansu Kim, Underwater Maritime Research Team 1, Defense Technology Quality Institute] Hyundai Heavy Industries has delivered the Polar-class naval auxiliary ship HMNZS Aotearoa to the New Zealand Navy.

The Aotearoa was launched in April 2019 at Hyundai Heavy Industries' Ulsan shipyard. It replaces the tanker Endeavour, which was in service for over 30 years and retired in 2017, and is set to become the largest vessel ever operated by the New Zealand Navy. This ship will carry out combat operations, humanitarian rescue missions, and support allied and United Nations Security Operations forces by replenishing fuel, supplies, drinking water, spare parts, and ammunition.

Prior to departing Korea on the 10th of this month, several tests were conducted to verify its fuel replenishment capabilities. These included operational trials of equipment maintenance using the new frigate BRP Jos Rizal (150), designed for the Philippine Navy.

The vessel measures 173.2 meters in overall length and 24.5 meters in overall width, and is equipped with two masts for maritime replenishment at sea (RAS) that comply with NATO standards. It can carry 8,000 tons of diesel fuel, 1,550 tons of aviation fuel, and 250 tons of fresh water. Notably, it features one hangar and one flight deck capable of accommodating rotary-wing aircraft such as Kaman’s SH-2 Super Seasprite helicopter and NHIndustries’ NH90 multipurpose medium helicopter.

The Aotearoa is reinforced with icebreaking capabilities for Antarctic operations and includes winterization equipment, with the capacity to produce 100 tons of fresh water daily. It can accommodate 64 core crew members and 11 flight crew members.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.