OTAGO and WELLINGTON visit the Sub-Antarctic Islands
The Navy's two new Offshore Patrol Vessels, HMNZS OTAGO and WELLINGTON have successfully completed a week-long operation to New Zealand's Sub-Antarctic islands, in support of the Department of Conservation.
Right: OTAGO in Sea State Six during her passage to the Campbell Islands.
This is the first time the Navy have operated ships specifically designed for long-range patrols in the Southern Ocean. In the past patrols in the Southern Oceans have been undertaken by the Navy’s frigates. Introducing the OPVs into service means the frigates are released to do their primary job of enhancing trade and regional security through operations and exercises with other nations.
Left: A RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatible Boat) docks at Perserverance Harbour, Campbell Island with WELLINGTON (left) and OTAGO (right) anchored.
Onboard the ships for the week-long Operation were the Governor General His Excellency the Right Honourable Sir Anand Satyanand, the Minister of Conservation the Hon Kate Wilkinson and a team of scientists undertaking a three month expedition to study the ecology, archaeology and human impact on the Campbell Islands.
Right: View toward North East Harbour, Campbell Island, over a field of mega-herbs (Anisotome latifolia - a member of the carrot family).
The operation in support of the Department of Conservation is one of many in which the Navy provides support to the work of other government agencies, including the Ministry of Fisheries, Police and Customs. The Navy has a long history of supporting DOC in the Sub-Antarctic including major projects such as saving the Campbell Island Teal.
Left: Lt Cdr Simon Griffiths (CO WELLINGTON) and Lt Cdr Simon Rooke (CO OTAGO) pose in front of the DoC sign at Campbell Island wharf.
As well as delivering the scientific expedition the operation was an opportunity to test the ship's sea-going capabilities in the rough conditions of the Southern Ocean. During the passage the ships encountered very rough conditions of Sea State Six (waves up to 6 metres), which both ships handled well.
Testing the new ship's capabilities is part of the process of releasing the vessels to full operational activity. When fully operational the OPV's long range and strengthened hulls will enable the Navy to extend its patrols throughout the EEZ, into waters that have not been regularly patrolled for many years. According to the Ministry of Fisheries increased patrolling is already resulting in changes to the behaviour of fishing fleets.
Right: DoC Southern Islands Area Manager, Pete McClelland, holds a NZ Sealion at bay near the DoC base at Campbell Island.