Southern Ocean focus for new OPV
An new OPV for New Zealand will include features that will allow it to operate in the Southern Ocean and near to Antarctica.
The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) want to increase their maritime presence in this region, so the ship will have to have an ice strengthened double-hull.
At present the RNZN operates nine vessels in total, following the decision by the government to sell two of its four small inshore patrol vessels. The fleet incorporates a duo of high-end frigates and two other 85m Protector-class OPVs, pictured above, during New Zealand Defence Force exercises.
The third OPV will
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Maritime defence in the Mediterranean faces challenges from vulnerable land power]()
Maritime defence in the Mediterranean faces challenges from vulnerable land power
As an indispensable energy crossroads, the Mediterranean is at serious risk from grey zone disruption. As navies increasingly employ AI data centres, what happens when cutting-edge defence technologies rely on the very infrastructure most susceptible to hybrid tactics?
-
![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.
