HMNZS Otago (P148) is a Protector-class offshore patrol vessel in service with the Royal New Zealand Navy. The development of the OPV design based on an Irish Naval Service OPV class was very contentious with the RNZN arguing for the need for a limited combat suite for effective training and patrol work with a 57 mm-76 mm light frigate gun and associated fire control and radar and electronic warfare systems at least compatible with current 2nd light RN OPVs while the government and Cabinet preference was to use the space and extra finance available to incorporate ice strengthening and provision of extra coastal patrol vessels. The RNZN view was that adding ice strengthening was unnecessary for Southern Ocean patrol as distinct from operation in the Ross sea and the extra weight and complexity would stress and shorten the life of the hulls from 25 to 15 years She was launched in 2006 but suffered from problems during construction and was not commissioned until 2010, two years later than planned. Soon after commissioning Otago encountered problems with both her engines which delayed her arrival at her homeport of Port Chalmers. She has served on several lengthy patrols of the Antarctic, though she lacks the capability to operate in heavier levels of ice-coverage which has led to the cancellation of at least one planned operation. The ship is named in honour of the New Zealand province of Otago, associated with the city of Dunedin. The previous HMNZS Otago (F111), was a Rothesay-class frigate that served in the Royal New Zealand Navy from 1960 until 1983. Otago has recently gone through minor upgrades, including sensors and weapons, and replacing the 25 mm Bushmaster with the Rafael Typhoon 25 mm stabilised naval gun. Full compatibility trials with the updated Seasprite SH2G1(l)s, ex RAN were conducted in 2016 and the much more capable helicopters are now deployed from Otago and Wellington with enhanced lift, surveillance and standoff Penguin missiles, offering a beyond horizon deterrent.
▪️🛠🇦🇺 Builder: Tenix
▪🔃 Displacement: 1900 tonnes
▪️↔️ Length: 85 m (279 ft)
▪️➗ Beam: 14 m (46 ft)
▪️⤵️ Draught: 3.6 m (12 ft)
▪️⚙️ Propulsion: 2 × MAN B&W 12RK280 diesel engines with a continuous rating of 5,400 kW at 1,000 rpm
▪️⏩ Baseline speed 22 knots (41 km/h)
▪️⏩ Economical speed 12 knots (22 km/h)
▪️⏩ Loiter speed 4–10 knots (7.4–18.5 km/h)
▪️🛢Range: 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km)
Boats & landing craft carried:
2 × RHIB (7.74m) or
1 × special forces RHIB (11m)
▪️👥 Capacity: 30 passengers
1 × sea container
1 × 15-tonne crane aft
▪️👥 Complement: 35 + 10 flight personnel + 4 personnel from Government agencies
▪️📡 Sensors and processing systems: Optical fire control
▪️⚔️ Armament:
1 × remote-controlled Rafael Typhoon 25 mm stabilised naval gun
2 × M2HB .50 calibre machine guns Small arms
▪️🛡 Armour: None
🛫 Aircraft carried: 1 × SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopter