New Zealand seeks OPV for cold southern waters
The Royal New Zealand Navy currently has two regular OPVs in service (as pictured here), but the third will be ice-strengthened. (Gordon Arthur)
The Royal New Zealand Navy operates all the way down to Antarctica, so it needs a new OPV up to the task of operating in extreme southern conditions.
With an RfI issued on 11 May, the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has formally launched its hunt for a new ice-strengthened offshore patrol vessel (OPV) suitable for operations deep in the Southern Ocean.
The navy wants a vendor capable of designing and building its Southern Ocean Patrol Vessel (SOPV). An ability to traverse ice is clearly an important consideration, with a mandated minimum standard of Polar Class 5, and an ice-breaking performance through 1m of medium first-year sea ice with 300mm of snow cover at a 3kt forward speed.
While the navy has in mind a commercial design, this does
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027]()
US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027
The Technology Operational Experimentation Events will inform future requirements as the US Navy looks for innovative solutions across three key operational domains.
-
![Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”]()
Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”
Although the CDC project is still in its early stages, the Canadian Department of National Defence already has some requirements for the future platforms.
-
![US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection]()
US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection
The Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking authorised resellers of JaiaBot uncrewed underwater vehicles and multivehicle pods. The platforms will support undergraduate education at the US Naval Academy.
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear]()
Future of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is still unclear
The Canadian government remains tight-lipped on the timeline and funding required for the next steps of its Canadian Submarine Patrol Project, which should offer improved capabilities for the country’s navy.
