Fault sees HMNZS Otago return to base

HMNZS Otago. File photo / Greg Bowker

The navy's newest ship, offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Otago, is expected back at sea this week after salt water contaminated its fuel, prompting the cancellation of its first deployment outside New Zealand.

It left Devonport naval base in Auckland for a tour of the Pacific last month, but turned back the next day after it was discovered it had salt water in its fuel tanks.

Commanding officer Lieutenant Commander Simon Rooke said the contaminated fuel was in one main holding tank and had been pumped into two other tanks. The source had not yet been traced.

"It is being dealt with between ourselves, the manufacturer of the ship and the manufacturer of the fuel separation equipment as well," he said.

The ship was to carry out sea trials this week to make sure the problem was fixed.

Lt Cdr Rooke said Otago and her sister ship HMNZS Wellington were a brand new class of ship.

"It is one of those little setbacks."

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp told Radio New Zealand the ship's tanks were being drained and the hull inspected.

He said he suspected the issue was more than a teething problem.

The ship was part of the $500 million Project Protector which saw seven new ships added to the fleet - the two offshore patrol vessels, multi-role HMNZS Canterbury, and four inshore patrol vessels.

Otago's delivery this year was delayed by engine problems, then gearbox problems on its maiden voyage to Dunedin.

It was to spend three weeks in Samoa, Tonga, Tokelau, the Cook Islands and Niue when it turned back.

- NZPA and NZHERALD STAFF