Inshore Patrol Vessel ROTOITI.
03 August 2007
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 Monday 30 July.
This is a further significant step in the introduction into the Navy of seven new ships under Project Protector.
The first ship, the Multi-role Vessel, HMNZS CANTERBURY, was commissioned into the Navy in June this year and the first Offshore Patrol Vessel, OTAGO, was launched in Williamstown in November last year.
By the end of 2008, the Navy’s Protector Fleet will comprise of seven ships of three different classes; one Multi Role Vessel (MRV), two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and four Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV).
ROTOITI had her formal naming ceremony in Whangarei on Saturday 4 August and is affiliated to her homeport of Napier. With the words
”I am honoured to name this ship ROTOITI - May God Bless all those who sail in her”, the Lady Sponsor, Her Worship the Mayor of Napier, Mrs Barbara Arnott, cut the ribbon and the champagne (on a special cradle) smashed over the bow of the ship.
The Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson and the Commanding Officer of ROTOITI, Devonport man Lieutenant Alistair McHaffie were photographed with the ship at the naming ceremony .
Lt McHaffie is looking forward to taking command of ROTOITI and putting her through her paces, "There could be nothing more exciting than to take the command of a brand new ship and along with your crew of experienced sailors and personnel from other government agencies, patrol the coastlines of New Zealand", he says.
ROTOITI will remain in Whangarei for her fit-out by Tenix and expected to be completed later in the year.
Background
The 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) and Executive Officer Sub Lieutenant Fraser Toulmin from Napier