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Babcock is set to deliver significant package of work to reactivate Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Otago.
Babcock and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) are working together to bring HMNZS Otago back into operational service.
Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland said, “We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force and of our contribution to keeping New Zealand and its Pacific partners safe and secure.”
HMNZS Otago, one of RNZN’s two offshore patrol vessels, was placed in a care and custody arrangement following its previous service of surveillance, supply and support work in the south-west Pacific region.
Forming an integrated team for the restoration project, reactivation of the vessel will see “significant engineering”, including replacing obsolete systems, replacing navigation systems, and upgrading important internal mechanisms to ensure the most efficient and effective output. Materials for the reactivation will be sourced from at least 15 New Zealand-based supply chain partners.
“From overhauling the engines and generators to upgrading the ship’s sensors and control systems, Babcock’s team of experts, with help from our valued supply chain, is ensuring that HMNZS Otago will be operationally ready for the ship’s company,” Cridland said.
As a strategic maritime partner to the NZDF, Babcock was asked to deliver the vessel reactivation work in October last year. This partnership means that Babcock has a close relationship with multiple sectors of the NZDF and supports operational and manufacturing activity. Babcock currently operates New Zealand’s largest marine engineering and maintenance facility in Auckland and manages the RNZN dockyard.
The work on HMNZS Otago is set to be handed back to the NZDF in 2026.
