Hyundai Heavy Industries has delivered the Polar-class fleet tanker/replenishment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), following successful completion of sea trials.
SeaQuest Marine Project Management oversaw the shipbuilding process in Ulsan, South Korea, with the vessel departing the site on 10 June.
HMNZS Aotearoa will provide global sustainment capabilities to the NZDF and ensure adequate supply of air, land and maritime equipment including ammunition and fuel.
Jan Andersson, CEO of SeaQuest, said: ‘Once again we have proven that our experience in supervision and familiarity with Far Eastern builders can aid a new building project like no one else. This is the third time we have looked after a naval support ship, first from Royal Fleet Auxiliary UK, second from NDLO Norway and now from NZ Crown.’
The vessel is winterised and ice-strengthened to allow the NZDF to operate and support operations in the Antarctic.
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