View source for Project Protector

{{Use New Zealand English|date=July 2024}}
[[File:OtagoTeKahaTaupo.JPG|thumb|300px|The offshore patrol vessel {{HMNZS|Otago|P148|2}} (left), frigate {{HMNZS|Te Kaha|F77|2}} (centre), and inshore patrol vessel {{HMNZS|Taupo|2008|6}} (right) in [[Wellington]] in 2010. ''Otago'' and ''Taupo'' were developed under Project Protector.]]

'''Project Protector''' was a [[Royal New Zealand Navy]] (RNZN) procurement project that was undertaken during the 2000s. At the start of the decade, the New Zealand government tasked the [[New Zealand Defence Force]] to develop an equal combat, peacekeeping, and disaster relief capability, in which the RNZN was to focus on conducting [[sealift]] operations and patrols of the [[Economic Exclusion Zone]]. A series of reviews found that the RNZN was lacking in these capabilities, and Project Protector was established to acquire three new ship types: a single multi-role sealift ship, two offshore patrol vessels, and four inshore patrol vessels. After a two-year information-gathering and [[request for tender|tender]] process, an Australian company, [[Tenix Defence]], was selected as the primary contractor.

The sealift ship, {{HMNZS|Canterbury|L421|6}}, was built by Dutch company [[Merwede Shipyard]] in [[Rotterdam]], and based on a commercial [[roll-on/roll-off]] ferry built for the [[Isle of Man]]. In mid-2007, the ship became the first Project Protector vessel to enter service, but problems during her early career required a remedial program to be put in place. The two [[Protector class offshore patrol vessel]]s (OPVs) were built by Tenix at its [[Melbourne]], Australia, shipyard to a design used by the [[Irish Naval Service]], but several design mistakes resulted in the ships being 100 tons heavier than planned, and the OPVs were not commissioned until 2010. Four [[Protector class inshore patrol vessel]]s (IPVs) were built at Tenix's North Island shipyard, and entered service during 2009. Because of the delay in bringing the ships to active duty (all seven were due into service by the end of 2007), [[BAE Systems Australia]] (which had acquired Tenix in 2008) was required to pay a compensatory settlement to the RNZN in early 2010.

==Background==
In the June 2000 Defence Policy Framework (DPF), the New Zealand government identified that the [[New Zealand Defence Force]] had to be equally capable of both combat and peacekeeping operations.<ref name=McKinnon>McKinnon, ''New Zealand's navy follows a new heading''</ref> From the navy's perspective, prioritisation was given to [[sealift]] and transport of [[New Zealand Army]] units and equipment, and to maritime surveillance of both New Zealand's {{convert|3,000,000|sqkm|adj=on}} [[Economic Exclusion Zone]] (EEZ), and the EEZs of allied South Pacific nations.<ref name=McKinnon/><ref name=ScottPP/> The RNZN was also required to develop a non-military operational capability that would allow it to undertake tasks such as disaster relief, throughout the region.<ref name=McKinnon/>

To identify if the RNZN could meet the capabilities identified in the DPF, the government initiated the Maritime Patrol Review (MPR), which was released in February 2001, followed by the more ship-specific Maritime Forces Review (MFR), which commenced in May 2001 and was released in January 2002.<ref name=McKinnon/><ref name=ScottPP/><ref name=McKinnon05>McKinnon, ''Capital Gains''</ref> These reviews were not [[Ministry of Defence (New Zealand)|Ministry of Defence]]-only affairs: input was sought from other government ministries and bodies, including the [[Ministry of Fisheries (New Zealand)|Ministry of Fisheries]], the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (New Zealand)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade]], the [[New Zealand Customs Service]], the [[New Zealand Police]], and [[Maritime New Zealand]].<ref name=McKinnon05/> These reviews identified that the RNZN did not meet the capability requirements identified in the DPF.<ref name=McKinnon05/> The main areas identified as lacking were patrol capabilities, both in the EEZ and inshore, and a sealift capability to transport personnel, equipment, and supplies throughout the region for both military and relief operations.<ref name=McKinnon/> The MFR also found that the navy's two [[Anzac class frigate|''Anzac'' class frigates]] were both overcapable and too few in number to effectively patrol New Zealand's waters, and that tying them up on these duties prevented their use on more suitable deployments.<ref name=McKinnon/>

Around the same time as the reviews, the RNZN was looking to replace the training frigate {{HMNZS|Canterbury|F421|6}}, which was due to be retired in 2005.<ref name=MckScott>McKinnon & Scott, ''Industry lines up proposals for Project Protector''</ref> The decision not to order the additional two frigates suggested under the ''Anzac'' acquisition project and the increased operational tempo during the early 2000s was straining the navy's capabilities and needed to be addressed.<ref name=McKinnon/>

==Requisitions==
The capability gaps identified by the MFR prompted the instigation of Project Protector.<ref name=McKinnon/> The "fleet renewal project" consisted of three different procurement projects to meet the identified capability requirements: a class of offshore patrol vessels to undertake EEZ operations and relieve the pressure on the ''Anzac''s, improved inshore patrol capabilities (either through a new ship class or upgrades to the existing [[Moa class patrol boat|''Moa'' class patrol boats]]), and a multi-role sealift ship.<ref name=McKinnon/><ref name=MckScott/> The aim was to bring all three projects under a unified umbrella, administered by a single prime contractor.<ref name=McKinnon/>

In July 2002, the New Zealand government sent details of Project Protector to 60 shipbuilders and ship design companies, and invited submissions from interested parties.<ref name=ScottRFP>Scott, ''New Zealand releases Project Protector RFP''</ref> Six companies were selected from the 21 responses received by the 13 September 2002 deadline: [[BAE Systems]] (partnering with [[Austal]] and [[Appledore Shipbuilders]]), [[Blohm + Voss]], DSA (a collaboration between [[Damen Shipyards]], [[Schelde Shipbuilding]], and [[Thales Australia|Australian Defence Industries]]), [[Singapore Technologies Marine]], [[Tenix Defence]], and [[VT Group|Vosper Thornycroft Shipbuilding]].<ref name=MckScott/> On 26 May 2003, these six were invited to submit more detailed proposals, and were given until 31 October 2003 to respond.<ref name=MckScott/>

Evaluation was predicted to be completed by early 2004, with a contract awarded by mid-2004.<ref name=MckScott/> Tenix Defence was identified as the best supplier in April 2004, and the contract between the [[Ministry of Defence (New Zealand)|Ministry of Defence]] and Tenix was signed on 29 July 2004.<ref name=ScottPP/> The project was predicted in 2003 to cost NZ$500 million.<ref name=MckScott/> Project Protector was the most complex project ever undertaken by New Zealand, with three ship classes (plus embarked small craft) under construction across three nations.<ref name=ScottPP/> All three ships were to be built to commercial standards, and maintained like commercial vessels.<ref name=ScottPP/> In order to operate the new ships, the RNZN had to recruit and train an additional 245 personnel.<ref name=ScottPP/>

All seven ships were planned to enter service across 2007.<ref name=ScottPP/> However, by August 2008, only the sealift ship {{HMNZS|Canterbury|L421|6}} had entered service, and that had occurred six months behind schedule.<ref name=Fish/> The entry into service date for the six patrol boats was pushed back to the end of 2008.<ref name=Fish/> Further delays meant that the last Project Protector vessel did not enter service until mid-2010.<ref name=FishLast/> In early 2010, the RNZN received a NZ$86.4 million settlement from [[BAE Systems Australia]] (which had acquired Tenix in 2008) as compensation for the delayed entry-into-service dates of the seven ships, along with defects in the sealift ship design, problems including a 100-ton displacement increase in the offshore patrol vessels, and other issues across the project.<ref name=GrevattSettl/>

===Sealift ship===
{{main|HMNZS Canterbury (L421)}}
[[File:HMNZS Canterbury Pacific Partnership.jpg|thumb|right|''Canterbury'' operating off Samoa during [[Pacific Partnership]] 2011]]
Project Protector called for a multi-role vessel with a tactical sealift capability, which would be used throughout the South Pacific region for disaster and humanitarian relief, peace support, military support, and development assistance support.<ref name=MckScott/> The vessel would also serve as the RNZN's primary at-sea training ship after the frigate ''Canterbury'' was decommissioned.<ref name=MckScott/> A limited patrol and response capability was also desired.<ref name=MckScott/> The RNZN had previously tried to establish a sealift capability with the acquisition of {{HMNZS|Charles Upham}} in the mid-1990s, but attempts to convert the former [[roll-on/roll-off]] freighter were unsuccessful, and the ship was decommissioned in 2001.<ref name=McKinnon/>

The ship had to be available for 160 days at sea per year, plus another 130 days berthed but available for deployment.<ref name=MckScott/> She had to be capable of transporting a [[New Zealand Army]] heavy [[Company (military unit)|company]] and its equipment (identified in the initial proposal as 250 personnel, 315 [[lane metre]]s of vehicles, and 33 [[Twenty-foot equivalent unit|TEU]] of equipment and stores), and be able to transfer the personnel and equipment between the ship and shore.<ref name=MckScott/> The vessel had to embark and operate one [[SH-2G Super Seasprite]], and be fitted with aviation facilities capable of operating two [[Eurocopter AS532 Cougar|Cougar]]-size helicopters or one [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook|Chinook]]-size helicopter.<ref name=MckScott/> Although the review called for the ship to be armed with a {{convert|40|to|76|mm|adj=on}} gun, the 2003 request for proposals stipulated a {{convert|25|mm|adj=on}} gun; this would help keep the project within the NZ$500 million budget, and provide ammunition commonality with the [[M242 Bushmaster]] fitted to the Army's [[LAV III]] infantry fighting vehicle.<ref name=MckScott/>

The multi-role vessel {{HMNZS|Canterbury|L421|6}} was the first ship completed under Project Protector.<ref name=ScottPP>Scott, ''Project Protector''</ref> Based on {{MS|Ben-my-Chree}}, a commercial roll-on/roll-off ferry, ''Canterbury'' has a displacement of {{convert|8,000|t}}, a top speed of {{convert|19|kn}}, and a range of {{convert|6,000|nmi}}.<ref name=ScottPP/> The vessel is capable of transporting 250 troops, up to 40 vehicles in 403 [[lane metre]]s of space, 33 [[intermodal container|ISO 20-foot containers]] (including eight dedicated ammunition containers) and 20 [[NATO pallet]]s of supplies.<ref name=ScottPP/> Loading is performed wharfside through stern and side access ramps, or via two {{convert|60|t|adj=on}} cranes.<ref name=ScottPP/> Two {{convert|23|m|adj=on}} landing craft medium (LCM) are carried by ''Canterbury'' for situations where wharf unloading is unavailable; these can be launched and recovered via the cranes, while "marriage blocks" and "flippers" help the LCMs dock with the stern ramp.<ref name=ScottPP/> One Super Seasprite and up to four [[NHIndustries NH90]] helicopters can be hangared aboard.<ref name=McKinnon05/> The ship is fitted with a single 25&nbsp;mm Bushmaster gun in a [[Typhoon Weapon System|Typhoon mounting]] and two 12.7&nbsp;mm machine guns for self-defence.<ref name=McKinnon05/> ''Canterbury''{{'}}s hull is strengthened to [[Finnish-Swedish ice class]] 1C, allowing her to operate in the [[Ross Dependency]].<ref name=McKinnon05/>

The ship was built by the [[Merwede Shipyard]] in Rotterdam, with steel cutting starting on 15 April 2005.<ref name=McKinnon05/> It was launched in February 2006, and commenced sea trials in July.<ref name=ScottPP/> Handover to Tenix was expected to occur in August; the vessel would then sail to the Tenix shipyard at [[Williamstown, Victoria]], Australia for fitting of military equipment.<ref name=ScottPP/> It was originally planned to have ''Canterbury'' commissioned into the RNZN during January 2007, but delays meant that the ship did not enter service until June 2007.<ref name=ScottPP/><ref name=Fish/> Problems were encountered early in the ship's career, relating primarily to the RHIB alcove docks, which were in a position to be easily swamped, with resulting damage to the boats themselves.<ref name=RosaScott>Rosamond & Scott, ''Canterbury Tales''</ref> Seakeeping ability was also an issue.<ref name=RosaScott/> Most of the problems stemmed from the ship's parent design-a short, fat civilian ferry designed to operate in the calm [[Irish Sea]], not on military deployments in deep ocean-and the failure of Tenix and the RNZN to address this during design and construction.<ref name=RosaScott/> A remedial program was initiated in 2008.<ref name=RosaScott/>

===OPV===
{{Main|Protector class offshore patrol vessel}}
[[File:HMNZS Wellington.JPG|thumb|right|The offshore patrol vessel ''Wellington'' in [[Wellington Harbour]] during September 2010]]
Up until the reviews, offshore patrol of the nation's EEZ had been undertaken by the ''Anzac'' class frigates, which were both too few in number and overqualified for the duties; deploying them in this manner meant they were unavailable for higher intensity operations for which they were more suited.<ref name=McKinnon/> A new class of offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) was planned; these had to be capable of providing 420 ship-days per year of EEZ operations, and able to operate a Super Seasprite helicopter.<ref name=McKinnon05/><ref name=MckScott/>

Two offshore patrol vessels, ''Wellington'' and ''Otago'', were built by Tenix at Williamstown from hull modules fabricated at Williamstown and superstructure modules assembled at [[Whangārei]], North Island, then shipped to Australia.<ref name=ScottPP/> The {{convert|1740|t|adj=on}} displacement, {{convert|85|m|adj=on}} long vessels were based on an [[Aker Marine]] design operated by the [[Irish Naval Service]].<ref name=ScottPP/><ref name=McKinnon05/> The ships were fitted with an MSI-Defence Systems {{convert|25|mm|adj=on}} gun as main armament, and could embark and operate a helicopter.<ref name=ScottPP/> The patrol vessels' hulls were strengthened to [[Finnish-Swedish ice class]] 1C for operations in the [[Ross Dependency]].<ref name=ScottPP/>

Work started on 22 February 2005.<ref name=McKinnon05/> The OPVs were due to complete in April and October 2007.<ref name=ScottPP/> However, the ships were not launched until November 2006 and October 2007 respectively, and by December 2008 were yet to commission.<ref name=Grevatt>Grevatt, ''Safety and weight worries delay Project Protector deliveries''</ref> The main problems were safety issues with the RHIBs and an extra 100 tons of weight over the design specifications.<ref name=Grevatt/> ''Wellington'' did not commission until May 2010; the last Project Protector ship to enter service.<ref name=FishLast>Fish, ''Last of RNZN's Protector fleet enters service''</ref>

===IPV===
{{Main|Protector class inshore patrol vessel}}
[[File:HMNZS Hawea (P3571), Otago Harbour.jpg|thumb|right|The inshore patrol vessel ''Hawea'' entering [[Otago Harbour]] in August 2009]]
Several inshore patrol vessels (IPVs) were required for surveillance and patrol work in New Zealand's inshore zone (defined as up to {{convert|24|nmi}} from the shoreline).<ref name=MckScott/> A minimum of 950 ship-days was required for these duties.<ref name=MckScott/> It was initially thought that the IPV requirement could be met by modernising four of the [[Moa class patrol boat|''Moa'' class patrol boats]].<ref name=MckScott/> They could not be updated to the standard required by the Maritime Forces Review, so new ships were instead ordered to replace them on a one-for-one basis.<ref name=MckScott/><ref name=Fish/>

The IPVs were based on a {{convert|56|m|adj=on}} search-and-rescue vessel class built by Tenix for the [[Philippine Coast Guard]].<ref name=McKinnon05/> The vessels had a 340-ton displacement, and were {{convert|55|m}} long.<ref name=Fish>Fish, ''New Zealand launches fourth Project Protector inshore patrol vessel''</ref> They were only fitted with 12.7&nbsp;mm machine guns instead of the 25&nbsp;mm guns fitted to the other Project Protector ships.<ref name=McKinnon05/> Four vessels were built at Tenix shipyard in [[Whangārei]], North Island.<ref name=ScottPP/> The first IPV, {{HMNZS|Rotoiti|2007|6}}, was launched in July 2007, and during [[sea trial]]s exceeded several design expectations: her maximum speed of {{convert|25|kn}} was a knot higher than expected, she was capable of double her {{convert|3,000|nmi}} designed range, and she had better seakeeping ability in heavy conditions than first thought.<ref name=RosaScott/> The last ship, {{HMNZS|Taupo|2008|6}}, was launched in August 2008.<ref name=Fish/> After the final patrol boat was completed, Tenix ceased operations at the Whangārei facility.<ref name=Fish/> Although there were some problems with the vessels, all four entered service during 2009.<ref name=GrevattSettl>Grevatt, ''New Zealand receives $58.7m in Project Protector defects settlement''</ref>

==Citations==
{{reflist}}

==References==
;Journal articles
*{{cite journal|last=Fish |first=Tim |date=28 August 2008 |title=New Zealand launches fourth Project Protector inshore patrol vessel |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{cite journal|last=Fish |first=Tim |date=13 May 2010|title=Last of RNZN's Protector fleet enters service |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{cite journal|last=Grevatt |first=Jon |date=24 December 2008 |title=Safety and weight worries delay Project Protector deliveries |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{cite journal|last=Grevatt |first=Jon |date=26 February 2010 |title=New Zealand receives $58.7m in Project Protector defects settlement |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{cite journal|last=McKinnon |first=Philip |date=16 December 2005 |title=Capital gains: RNZN makes step change in capability |journal=Jane's Navy International|publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{cite journal|last=McKinnon |first=Phillip |date=1 November 2003 |title=New Zealand's navy follows a new heading |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{cite journal|last=McKinnon |first=Phillip |author2=Scott, Richard  |date=1 September 2003 |title=Industry lines up proposals for Project Protector |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{cite journal|last=Scott |first=Richard |date=1 July 2003 |title=New Zealand releases Project Protector RFP |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{cite journal|last=Scott |first=Richard |date=2 August 2006 |title=Project Protector: New model navy |journal=Jane's Defence Weekly |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
*{{cite journal|last=Rosamond |first=Jon|author2=Scott, Richard  |date=23 October 2008 |title=Canterbury Tales: NZ MoD slated over flawed MRV deal |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100221155139/http://www.defence.govt.nz/acquisitions-tenders/current-acquisition-projects/project-protector.html New Zealand Defence Force webpage for Project Protector]

[[Category:Royal New Zealand Navy]]
[[Category:Military acquisition]]