Key Dates
The Ministry of Defence issued invitations to register (ITR) in July 2002 and signed a contract with Tenix Defence (later BAE Systems) in July 2004. The first steel was cut in February 2005 and the first OPV HMNZS Otago was launched on 18 November 2006.
The original planned delivery date for HMNZS Otago was April 2007, this was then revised to early 2008. HMNZS Wellington was launched on 27 October 2007 with an original delivery date of May / June 2008.
While the ships are capable of carrying the SH-2G Seasprite on 30 October 2007 the NZDF announced the acquisition by NZDF of A109 light utility helicopter for training and deployment on RNZN ships including OPVs.
In September 2008 the Minister of Defence announced delays in delivery of the two OPVs due to questions regarding the ships' seaboats and Lloyds Certification. He says the issue is under negotiation with BAE (ex-Tenix). In May 2009, mediation between the Ministry of Defence and BAE Systems commenced, with the main issue being the estimated 300 tonnes increase in weight which could cause potential hazard when OPVs are in ice in Antarctica as the weight increased over the life of the vessels.
On the 18 February 2010 Otago was accepted into the Royal New Zealand Navy. NZ Ministry of Defence claims overweight issue not as bad as previously thought, but "weight will have to be carefully monitored during the ship's life". Should arrive at Devonport (Auckland) Naval Base 26 March 2010. Wellington is expected to be accepted in April 2010 and arrive at Devonport later that month. HMNZS Otago arrived at Devonport Naval Base after further delay in Australia due to engine problems, now fixed under warranty.
Read more about this topic: Protector Class Offshore Patrol Vessel
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