New Zealand Issues RFI for Littoral Support Ship

The HMNZS Manawanui, originally commissioned as an oil rig tender in 1979, is still in service for the New Zealand Navy. (New Zealand Navy)


WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND — The New Zealand Defence Force wants to replace its mine countermeasures and diving support vessel, HMNZS Manawanui, and its hydrographic survey vessel, HMNZS Resolution, “as both approach their end of life,” says an Oct. 23 request for information.

The 2,282-ton Resolution, originally commissioned to the US Navy in 1989, was decommissioned from service with the Royal New Zealand Navy in April 2012.

Displacing 911 tons, Manawanui, originally commissioned as an oil rig tender in 1979, remains in Navy service. Rather than acquire two new vessels, the Navy wants “to consolidate the individual capabilities within a single Littoral Operations Support Capability (LOSC). The replacement capability will maintain the capability sets delivered by both HMNZS Manawanui & Resolution.”

The new ship has a target contract delivery date of mid-2017 and acceptance into naval service by mid-2018.

Described as a littoral operations support capability, the new vessel is envisioned as being able to remain at sea for 200 days a year with 165 days alongside and be capable of a speed of up to 18 knots.

(Defense News)