Last of Navy's new ships due in port tomorrow

The last of seven new Navy ships will arrive in Auckland tomorrow, at least two years late, and following a troubled maiden voyage from the ship builder's yard in Australia.

The 85-metre offshore patrol ship HMNZS Wellington struck engine trouble after it left the Melbourne yard last week. The ship diverted to Sydney and after faults were fixed in both engines the ship sailed again from Sydney but had to return when one of the faults returned.

The faults were repaired under warranty and the ship is due to dock at the Devonport naval base in Auckland shortly before midday tomorrow.

The ship is under the command Lieutenant Commander Simon Griffiths of Dunedin.

On dock the ship will be greeted by chief of defence force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, and the deputy chief of Navy, Commodore Bruce Pepperell.

The 1900 tonne ship was the last of seven new ships ordered by the Labour Government under the $500 million Project Protector programme.

The navy has already taken delivery of the multi role ship HMNZS Canterbury, four inshore patrol vessels and Wellington's sister ship, HMNZS Otago.

The ship has a top speed of 22 knots and a range of 6000 nautical miles. It carries 35 crew but can also take 10 flight crew for the Seasprite helicopter, and 38 additional personnel.

It is armed with a 25mm Bushmaster naval gun and two .50 calibre machine guns.

- NZPA