Tests to find cause of seawater in fuel

HMNZS Otago is back at Devonport. Photo / Greg Bowker

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says sea trials tomorrow should determine whether the fuel problem that forced HMNZS Otago back to dock is the fault of the ship-builder or the fuel supplier.

It had left Devonport naval base and was on its first overseas deployment when salt water was found in its fuel.

The relevant fuel tank has been emptied and cleaned out and the ship will be taken out for a trial tomorrow.

Dr Mapp said it had not been evident in trials while the Otago was just moored at Devonport that there was a leak but that might become obvious under pressure.

"If they see water coming in then clearly it is the fault of the vessel and clearly that will be a warranty issue."

If it was not caused by seawater leaking into the tank then it would have to be the fault of the fuel and the Navy would have to work out which batch of fuel was contaminated.

The Otago's tanks have been topped up at various stops around the ports of New Zealand.

The Otago had been en route to a Pacific deployment for three weeks taking in Samoa, the Cook Islands and Niue.

Vessels under the Project Protectors umbrella have been plagued with problems, before, during and after delivery. Protectors was a $500 million procurement programme developed under Labour and designed to beef up the capabilities of the Navy.

Four 55m inshore patrol vessels (IPVs), Taupo, Rotoiti, Hawea and Pukaki, were built in Whangarei.

The Otago, its sister patrol vessel the Wellington (also 85m) and the 131m multi-role Canterbury were built in Melbourne by Tenix Defence and by BAE (British Aerospace), which took over Tenix in 2008.

The Otago is under warranty and Dr Mapp said that if the fault was found to be a result of poor workmanship, the builders would have to foot the repair bill.

Litany of repairs

* The Canterbury needed $20 million spent on seaboats soon after delivery.

* Otago 100 tonnes overweight, preventing it from going to Antarctica.

* Pressure cracks in four new inshore patrol vessels, Taupo, Rotoiti, Hawea and Pakaki.

* Main engine and generator repairs to Taupo.

* Fuel system repairs to Taupo after fuel contamination.

* Water seal fault in HMNZS Otago.

* Water seal fault in port engine, starboard engine control system fault and control system nodule wiring fault developed on HMNZS Wellington's maiden voyage from Melbourne.