KAWATEA

KAWATEA (IMO: 8619508) sailing under the New Zealand flag.

Vessel Identification

• MMSI: 512419000
• IMO Number: 8619508
• Call Sign: ZMKT
• Flag State: New Zealand
• Vessel Type: Research Vessel

Specifications

• Gross Tonnage: 971 GT
• Net Tonnage: 291 NT
• Deadweight: 500 DWT
• Length Overall: 54.4 m
• Beam: 11.0 m
• Draft: 4.2 m
• Year Built: 1988

Propulsion

• Propulsion Type: Diesel-Electric
• Engine Power: 1,450 kW
• Service Speed: 12 knots
• Hull Type: Steel, Single Hull

Shipyard

• Builder: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
• Country of Build: Japan
• Year Delivered: 1988

Owner / Operator

• Owner: New Zealand Government
• Operator: National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)
• Country: New Zealand

Navigation / Communications Equipment

• AIS Class: Class A
• GMDSS Equipped: Yes
• Navigation Systems: GPS, Radar, Echo Sounder
• Communications: VHF, MF/HF Radio, Satellite Communications

Operating Region

• Primary Region: South Pacific Ocean
• Secondary Regions: Southern Ocean, New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Antarctic Waters
• Port of Registry: Wellington, New Zealand

Vessel Description

KAWATEA is a dedicated oceanographic and fisheries research vessel operated by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) on behalf of the New Zealand Government. Built in Japan in 1988, the vessel has served as a critical scientific platform supporting New Zealand's marine research programs across the South Pacific and Southern Ocean. The vessel is equipped to conduct a range of scientific operations including fisheries surveys, oceanographic sampling, seabed mapping, and environmental monitoring. KAWATEA operates extensively within New Zealand's EEZ and has undertaken research voyages into Antarctic waters in support of national and international scientific programs. The vessel's design and equipment suite allow for deployment of scientific instruments, trawling operations, and the collection of oceanographic data across a broad range of sea conditions characteristic of the Southern Ocean environment.