New Zealand To Spend $493 Million For Construction Of New Ship

The Royal New Zealand Navy will get its largest ever ship, 1 24,000 ton vessel costing an approximate $493 million in 2020.

The 173-meter long vessel, Aotearoa, will be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries. The construction will start next year and is scheduled for delivery in January 2020, Stuff reported Monday.

It would replace the navy's current fuel replenishment ship Endeavour, but carry out a greater number of roles.

"Aotearoa will have the ability to deploy anywhere in the world to support maritime operations and enhance our combat force," Chief of Navy Rear Admiral John Martin was quoted as saying by the news portal.

"It has the ability to conduct embarked helicopter operations and will be capable of carrying a significant tonnage of operational supplies. And it will provide an important Antarctic support capability to assist with our Southern Ocean monitoring."

Aotearoa would "represent us as a nation on the international stage whether conducting operational support, maritime sustainment or providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Aotearoa will be recognisable within the Pacific region and identifiable with all New Zealanders," Martin said.