2021

The Royal New Zealand Navy’s newest vessel, HMNZS Aotearoa, recently proved her capability to refuel ships at sea in an exercise with the Royal Australian Navy.

In 2021, within the East Australian Exercise Area, HMNZS Aotearoa practised refuelling HMA Ships Stuart, Paramatta and Hobart, starting with ‘dry’ hook-ups and evolving to actual pumping of fuel from ship to ship.

The ability to carry out Replenishment at Sea is a vital capability for a combat-capable Navy. It is a difficult and dangerous evolution that requires a well-trained crew on both HMNZS Aotearoa and the ship receiving the fuel.

Aotearoa is capable of global operations and is able to support a task force of New Zealand ships and partner navies during exercises and operations in the Pacific and beyond.