 | Fleet Air Arm |
| Fleet Air Arm |
14 February 2011
The Australian and New Zealander Defence Ministers, Stephen Smith and Wayne Mapp, have held their annual meeting and in a joint statement in Wellington announced a co-operative venture centred on the multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury.
The announcement came following the announcement of decommissioning plans for HMA Ships Manoora and Kanimbla, and the possible lease or purchase of a similar British ship.
The Ministers announced the sharing of the Canterbury as part of the Pacific-focused Ready Response Force (RRF) banner, with a view to exercise planning functions and amphibious inter-operability.
"HMNZS Canterbury's amphibious-lift capability will be particularly important in our region over the next few years in light of the Royal Australian Navy's transition to a new amphibious capability.
"During the transition period, the RAN faces challenges in amphibious capability. The integration of HMNZS Canterbury in this way is a practical example of ANZAC co-operation which can benefit our region, particularly in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," Mr Smith said.
HMNZS Canterbury is a 9,000 tonne multi-role vessel (MRV) of the Royal New Zealand Navy. She was commissioned in June 2007.
The construction was sub-contracted to Merwede Shipyards in the Netherlands by Tenix Shipyards of Williamstown, Melbourne, with the design based on the commercial roll-on/roll-off ship Ben my Chree. However, the choice of the commercially-based design has been criticised following the ship's delivery, as it has placed limits on its ability to operate in rough seas.
In September 2008, an independent review of the safety and functionality of the ship revealed that some operating limits would have to be accepted, as sea-keeping performance is poor in high seas.
The Canterbury is capable of operating a Seasprite helicopter and is believed to be capable of hosting the new MRH-90 helicopters using a stern helicopter deck.
See also HMAS Manoora Decommissions, Amphibious Ship Purchase?
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