HMNZS OTAGO

HMNZS OTAGO (IMO: 9368479) sailing under the New Zealand flag.

HMNZS OTAGO

Vessel Identification

• MMSI: 512155000
• IMO: 9368479
• Call Sign: ZMKF
• Flag: New Zealand
• Vessel Type: Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV)
• Navy Hull Number: P148

Specifications

• Gross Tonnage: 1,900 tonnes (displacement)
• Length Overall: 85 metres
• Beam: 14 metres
• Draught: 3.6 metres
• Complement: 45 crew plus additional personnel capacity

Propulsion

• Propulsion Type: Diesel-electric
• Configuration: Twin shaft, controllable pitch propellers
• Bow Thruster: Fitted
• Maximum Speed: 22 knots
• Cruising Speed: 15 knots
• Range: Approximately 6,000 nautical miles

Shipyard

• Builder: Tenix Defence (now BAE Systems Australia)
• Shipyard Location: Williamstown, Victoria, Australia
• Keel Laid: 2004
• Launched: 2006
• Commissioned: 2010

Owner/Operator

• Owner: New Zealand Ministry of Defence
• Operator: Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN)
• Home Port: HMNZS Philomel, Devonport Naval Base, Auckland, New Zealand

Navigation/Communications Equipment

• Navigation Radar: Military-grade navigation radar systems
• Communications: Military HF/VHF/UHF communications suite
• AIS: Fitted (Class A Transponder)

Operating Region

• Primary Region: South Pacific Ocean
• Secondary Regions: Southern Ocean, New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Antarctica support operations
• Operational Scope: Extended patrols throughout the Pacific Island nations and surrounding waters consistent with New Zealand's Treaty obligations and regional security responsibilities

Vessel Description

HMNZS Otago is an Offshore Patrol Vessel serving with the Royal New Zealand Navy, operating as one of two vessels in the Otago-class patrol fleet alongside HMNZS Wellington. Designed for extended maritime patrol operations, she is tasked with fisheries protection, search and rescue, border protection, and humanitarian assistance throughout New Zealand's vast maritime jurisdiction and the broader Pacific region. The vessel is equipped to embark a military helicopter, enhancing her surveillance and operational reach significantly. She has participated in numerous regional assistance missions, disaster relief operations, and multinational naval exercises across the South Pacific. Her design reflects New Zealand's strategic priority of maintaining a credible and sustained presence across one of the world's largest maritime zones.