KEY POINTS:
The Navy's newest ship is likely to be handed over to the Government in a fortnight and commissioned into the Navy soon after.
Delivery of the 8800 tonne multi-role ship Canterbury was delayed several weeks after the Ministry of Defence ordered special ice-strengthening to the bow and changes to the ship's hospital. It was also delayed by the late delivery of some spare parts and publications from various equipment manufacturers.
The ship is expected to be commissioned into the Navy at a ceremony in Melbourne next month where it is in the final stages of being fitted out with military systems.
Prime Minister Helen Clark is expected to be at the commissioning ceremony.
The ship was built in Holland and sailed to the Tenix yard in Melbourne for the final fitting-out and sea trials.
It passed its initial sea trial in Holland with flying colours before sailing some of the world's roughest waters in its delivery voyage to Melbourne for its final fitting-out.
The ship would give the Navy a tactical sealift capacity which it had not had before, allowing it to transfer personnel, vehicles, equipment and stores from ship to shore, particularly where there were no docks or berthing facilities. It was fitted with stern and side ramps, a 60-tonne crane capable of lifting its own landing craft, and a helicopter landing deck and hangar.
The ship could carry four of the Air Force's yet to be delivered NH90 helicopters as cargo and operate a Seasprite helicopter. The ship has bunks for 252 for embarked personnel and 111 bunks for the ship's company, army loading team, air force helicopter flight maintainers, trainees, a flag officer and four government agency officers.
In Melbourne the ship was fitted with its 25mm cannon, and military communications and mission systems. It has a maximum speed of almost 20 knots, could stay at sea for up to 40 days and has a maximum cruising range of 8000 nautical miles.
One of the new ship's first tasks is expected to be a tour around New Zealand.
The Navy's other Canterbury, a Leander-class frigate, will be sunk as a diving attraction off Northland this year.
The new Canterbury was ordered under the $500 million Project Protector scheme which would give the Navy seven new ships - the multi-role vessel, two 85m offshore patrol vessels and four 55m inshore patrol vessels.
The Canterbury:
* Length: 131m.
* Maximum speed: Close to 20 knots.
* Maximum cruising range: 8000 nautical miles.
- NZPA
