Minister studies new craft

Press, 29 August 1978, Page 1

Minister studies new craft

By

CEDRIC MENTIPLAY

The purchase of at least one of the British Islandclass offshore patrol craft is regarded as likely if the Minister of Defence (Mr McCready) finds them suitable. Mr McCready has inspected the boats during his present visit to Britain. Naval sources confirm that this is one of several vessels which have already been approved by the Royal New Zealand" Navy as possible patrol boats for New Zealand’s 200-mile economic zone.

The first of the class was commissioned only last year.

These vessels would not be a replacement for the frigates, though two of these. H.M.N.Z.S. Otago

and Taranaki, are admittedly near the end of their working lives.

The Island-class are smaller, less complicated vessels than the frigates. They are designed for open sea patrol work, have a standard displacement of 925 tonnes, and are armed with one Bofors-type automatic gun. The usual crew numbers 24. The main value of the type is its ability to stay at sea in poor conditions for long periods. The propulsion is by two diesel engines driving on to a single shaft. Either engine is capable of moving the ship at a cruising speed of about 15 knots, and there is a cruising duration of 7000 nautical miles.