Project Protector
Client: Royal New Zealand Navy
Description
To acquire a Multi-Role Vessel (MRV), and Offshore and Inshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs and IPVs). The primary role of the MRV is to provide the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) with a tactical sealift capability. In addition to this role, the MRV is able to provide a response capability to contingency operations in the New Zealand EEZ and the South Pacific, conduct sea training for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and contribute to the off shore patrol effort. The OPVs and IPVs are to be operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy to conduct tasks for and with the NZDF, New Zealand Customs, the Department of Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Fisheries, Maritime New Zealand and the New Zealand Police.
Government approval
In 2004, the Government approved a project budget of NZ$500 million excluding GST.
The following are the estimated costs (NZ$K) at this current stage of the project for each ship and class. The project is yet to be closed so final costs per vessel and class have yet to be finalised. The costs provided below is an interim assessment of the vessel costs to date with costs for project management, spares, contingency and Government Furnished Equipment apportioned across the three ship classes:
| Ship | Cost per class |
Cost per ship |
|---|---|---|
| MRV | 175,755 |
175,755 |
| OPV | 177,891 | 88,945 |
| IPV | 123,438 | 30,859 |
| Total | 477,084 |
Contract
A Contract was signed on 28 July 2004, with Tenix Defence Pty Limited (now BAE Systems Australia) for the provision of seven ships, comprising one MRV, two OPVs, and four IPVs.
The MRV was built in the Netherlands, the two OPVs in Melbourne and the four IPVs in Whangarei . The New Zealand industry content achieved was $135.4 million which exceeded the contracted requirement of $110 million by 23%. 85 major New Zealand companies and approximately 400 others were involved in the provision of work or equipment for Project Protector. Three New Zealand companies were awarded over $10 million of work and about 10 with contracts over $1 million.
The Multi Role Vessel was named HMNZS Canterbury at her launch in Rotterdam on 11 February 2006. The two OPVs were named HMNZS Otago and HMNZS Wellington at their launch on 18 November 2006 and 27 October 2007 respectively. The four IPVs were named HMNZS Rotoiti (on 4 August 2007) HMNZS Hawea (15 December 2007), HMNZS Pukaki (10 May 2008), and HMNZS Taupo (23 August 2008) at ceremonies in Whangarei shortly after their launch.
Current status
HMNZS Canterbury was delivered on 31 May 2007 and commissioned into RNZN service on 12 June 2007 in Melbourne. She has since completed her RNZN introduction into service programme and has undertaken a range of exercises around New Zealand, the Pacific, South East Asia and Australia. Operations have been conducted in Timor Leste and she has supported the tsunami relief efforts in Samoa and most recently, was heavily involved in the 22 February Christchurch earthquake operation proving the significant and intended capability of this ship.
All four IPVs have been delivered and have been successfully introduced into RNZN service and are now undertaking their designed role of multi-agency tasks around New Zealand. Both OPV’s have also been delivered. HMNZ Ships Otago and Wellington completed their RNZN operational and system qualification testing in September 2010. Initial operational release of the OPVs is underway with Wellington successfully completing her inaugural Southern Ocean and Ross Sea patrol in February/March 2011. Otago also conducted a successful patrol through the South Pacific in May/June 2011.
Protector Remediation Project
The Protector ships were delivered with some capability shortfalls and deficiencies, primarily to Canterbury, that were subject to a mediation claim on, and settlement with, BAE Systems. Through this separate Remediation Project, these shortfalls and deficiencies will be remedied in a phased approach around the ships’ operational commitments and maintenance periods, thereby minimising overheads, with programme completion projected to be in late 2015. This will provide a controlled, efficient and progressive release of capability.
HMNZS ships:
- Rotoiti delivered on 16 April 2009 and commissioned into RNZN service on 17 April 2009
- Hawea delivered and commissioned into RNZN service on 1 May 2009
- Pukaki delivered and commissioned into RNZN service on 14 May 2009
- Taupo delivered on 28 May 2009 and commissioned into RNZN service on 29 May 2009
- Otago delivered and commissioned into RNZN service on 18 February 2010
- Wellington delivered and commissioned into RNZN service on 6 May 2010.
Contact
Acquisition Division
Ministry of Defence
PO Box 12703
Molesworth Street
Wellington 6144
New Zealand
Phone: +64 4 496 0678
Fax: +64 4 496 0859
Email: info@defence.govt.nz
As at August 2011
