New Zealand progresses hydrographic vessel towards operational readiness

HMNZS Manawanui , the RNZN’s hydrographic survey and dive support vessel that was commissioned in 2019. (Royal New Zealand Navy)

The Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN’s) new hydrographic survey and diving support vessel, HMNZS Manawanui , has sailed out to sea for the first time since it was commissioned, the service announced on 17 February.

The operation is being done as part of the vessel’s Sea Acceptance Readiness Checks, said the RNZN via an official social media channel. The process also paves the way for Manawanui to attain its operational readiness status, the service added.

Manawanui was commissioned in June 2019 at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland, New Zealand. Prior to its service with the RNZN, it existed as a commercial offshore support vessel known as Edda Fonn .

The vessel was procured by New Zealand in August 2018 for NZD103 million (USD65 million) to fulfil operational gaps that arose after the RNZN decommissioned the hydrographic ship, HMNZS Resolution , in 2012, and namesake dive tender, HMNZS Manawanui , in 2018.

The new Manawanui has an overall beam of 18 m, a hull draught of 6.3 m, and it is equipped with a 100-tonne salvage crane. The vessel is powered by four diesel-electric engines driving two azimuth propulsion systems, and can reach a top speed of 13 kt.

Hydrographic systems onboard the vessel include the EM712 multibeam and EA 440 single-beam echo sounders from Kongsberg. Manawanui will also operate the Seaeye Cougar remotely operated vehicle (ROV) from Saab.