Update on ROTOITI

ROTOITI, the first of the four Inshore Patrol Vessels being built entirely in New Zealand by Tenix in Whangarei, was launched in Whangarei Harbour on 30 July. Currently ROTOITI is berthed at the old Port of Whangarei in Northland, adjacent to the Tenix facility, where technicians busy themselves with the final fit-out work.

Just before Christmas ROTOITI performed extraordinarily well during her ‘First of Class’ sea trials. In fact in some respects the vessel exceeded expectations, recording top speeds of over 26 knots (Design speed 25knots) on unsettled waters, and an endurance of over 6000NM at 17knots (Design endurance 3000nm). The Vessel proved to be so stable that ROTOITI handled the 3-4 metre swells and winds of 35-50 knots with ease providing the trials crew with a comfortable ride.

As with all ‘First of Class’ vessels the final fit-out often takes longer than predicted but Tenix and the Ministry of Defence are working together to ensure that all the ship's systems and equipments are working to their optimum and that all aspects of the contract are completed before the vessel is handed over to the Royal New Zealand Navy.

ROTOITI is one of four Inshore Patrol Vessels that will be part of the seven ship Project Protector programme with the remaining six ships being delivered this year.

Speaking about the recent sea trials, the Commanding Officer (desig) of ROTOITI, Devonport man Lieutenant Alistair McHaffie, said:

"ROTOITI became a whole lot more real for us when my Ship's Company and I got the opportunity to go to sea during her sea trials. We were all impressed with the capabilities she displayed, the amount of room onboard and the level of technology applied throughout. We are looking forward to putting ROTOITI through her paces when she is commissioned into operational service in the Navy".

ROTOITI, affiliated to the Napier region, is expected to be delivered to the Royal New Zealand Navy in early/mid 2008.

Background

Inshore Patrol Vessels will be used to conduct maritime surveillance in support of other agencies such as Customs and Fisheries. They will be able to patrol the New Zealand coastline from the shore to approximately 24 nautical miles.

Displacement: 340 tonnes
Length overall: 55 metres
Beam: 9 metres
Speed: 25 knots
Range: 3,000 nautical miles
Complement: Core ship's company: 20
Government agencies: 4
Additional personnel: 12
Total: 36

ROTOITI will be under the command of Lieutenant Alistair McHaffie (Devonport. Executive Officer (second in command) is Sub Lieutenant Fraser Toulmin (Napier)