New Zealand has learned amphibious lessons
HMNZS Canterbury has allowed the RNZN to dip its feet in the water in terms of learning amphibious operations.
The 14-year-old HMNZS Canterbury is one of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN) most important ships, even though its combat capability is negligible. The multirole vessel’s utility was illustrated in a recent port visit to Lyttelton, the main harbour for Christchurch.
Canterbury arrived in time for 10th-anniversary commemorations of the Christchurch earthquake of 2011. The amphibious transport ship (L421) had fortuitously been in Lyttelton to pick up New Zealand Army equipment for a large military exercise when the 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck on 22 February 2011.
The 131.2m vessel built in the Netherlands was able to support disaster relief operations
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch]()
South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
-
![ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth]()
ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth
The company could be looking to collaborate with other Asian nations as well as countries further afield as it pushes ahead with its shipyard expansion plans.
-
![US Navy approaches the award of a follow-on contract for Aegis production]()
US Navy approaches the award of a follow-on contract for Aegis production
Naval Sea Systems Command intends to grant a production agreement for the Aegis Weapon System covering the FY2026-FY2030 period.
-
![AUKUS update: Australian sovereignty is “paramount” as Trump declares “full steam ahead”]()
AUKUS update: Australian sovereignty is “paramount” as Trump declares “full steam ahead”
AUKUS has been under the spotlight this week as US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had their first face-to-face meeting.
