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BAE Systems, NZ Government reach agreement on acceptance of Inshore Patrol Vessels

14 Apr 2009 | Ref. 060

WHANGAREI, New Zealand - The first of four new Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) will soon be delivered to the Royal New Zealand Navy after an agreement was reached between BAE Systems and the NZ Government.

The first IPV, Rotoiti, will be handed over on 16 April, with the other three vessels to enter service progressively by the end of May 2009.

The four IPVs were built in Whangarei by prime contractor BAE Systems Australia as part of Project Protector.

Merv Davis, Maritime Director for BAE Systems Australia, said today the company had been engaged in constructive discussions with the Ministry of Defence since late 2008 to resolve issues that had caused delay to the delivery of the IPVs.

"We recognised that the RNZN needed to commission these ships into service as soon as practicable and have agreed to install Zodiac sea boats so that this can happen," Mr Davis said.

Project Protector comprises the delivery of seven ships including the Multi Role Vessel, HMNZS Canterbury, four IPVs and two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). HMNZS Canterbury was delivered in May 2007.

Mr Davis said discussions with the Ministry of Defence for the delivery of the two Offshore Patrol Vessels were well advanced.

"Both parties are working together to agree the terms under which they will be offered for acceptance.

"BAE Systems is committed to delivering the Project Protector vessels quickly. This agreement on the IPVs marks an important milestone in that journey," Mr Davis said.

The IPVs will be used to patrol the NZ coastline from the shore to approximately 24 nautical miles and conduct maritime surveillance in support of agencies such as Customs and Fisheries.

About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.