Babcock to modernise NZ inshore patrol vessels being sold to Ireland

Babcock has signed an agreement with the New Zealand Defence Force to carry out maintenance and upgrade work on two decommissioned Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Lake-class inshore patrol vessels (IPVs) that have been sold to Ireland.

The two vessels, ex-HMNZS Rotoiti and ex-HMNZS Pukaki, were acquired by the Irish Ministry of Defence for the country's naval service in a government-to-government agreement announced on 11 March worth EUR26 million (USD28.4 million). The acquisition includes a requirement to restore the ships to Lloyds classification standards in New Zealand before being delivered to Ireland in April 2023.

In a 15 March announcement, Babcock said it would partner with local businesses in New Zealand to deliver the upgrade programme through a range of contracts worth around NZD15 million (USD10.3 million) in total.

“The scope of work will include an overhaul of the main and auxiliary engines, docking both vessels for hull preservation, propellor and rudder overhaul, inspection, service, and commissioning of all electric, mechanical, hydraulic, and communication systems required to return the vessels to Lloyds class,” Babcock said. Other work on the vessels would include modifications to ensure compatibility with the equipment fit of the rest of the Irish Naval Service's (INS's) fleet, the company added.

The Lake-class IPVs are intended to replace the INS's Peacock (P 41)-class coastal patrol ships LÉ Orla (P 41) and LÉ Ciara (P 42) following their planned withdrawal from service as part of efforts to modernise and rebalance the fleet. One of their advantages over the Peacock class is that the Lake-class IPVs require less than half the manning to operate (carrying a crew complement of 20 compared to 44). They will be used to conduct patrols in the Irish Sea on the east and southeast coast.

Ex-Rotoiti and ex-