HMNZS Aotearoa has major mechanical issues

[chasper]

Apparently Aotearoa has a very significant mechanical issue due to contaminated fuel and the remedial work will be in the vicinity of $10 million to repair and have her tied up for quite some time. Does anyone have any details with regard to this? Given that this is our newest and largest vessel this seems quite extraordinary.

[McFly]

HMNZS Aotearoa Suffers $10M Damage: Contaminated Diesel and Corrosion Issues Unveiled (Link)

New Zealand's HMNZS Aotearoa faces severe challenges with contaminated diesel and corrosion less than four years post-launch, prompting urgent repairs.

It was supposed to be a shining beacon of naval prowess, yet HMNZS Aotearoa, New Zealand's largest naval vessel, has found itself in murky waters less than four years post-launch. An internal investigation uncovers nearly $10m in damages due to contaminated diesel, with additional concerns over coating and corrosion now coming to light. Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries and delivered in 2020, the ship's woes underscore significant challenges ahead.

Contamination Crisis Unfolds

April 2023 marked the onset of the contamination debacle when routine sampling revealed the presence of damaging fungi in the ship's diesel. Assistant Chief of Navy Captain Simon Rooke highlighted the severity of the issue, noting the potential equipment and machinery damage posed by such microbiological threats. Although the exact cause of contamination remains under scrutiny, the incident prompts a broader inquiry into fuel management and maintenance protocols within naval operations. Remediation efforts promptly initiated in Singapore underscore the urgency of addressing this unforeseen complication.

Corrosion Concerns Compound Challenges

In tandem with the fuel contamination saga, HMNZS Aotearoa grapples with coating and corrosion issues detected since its mid-2020 delivery. These findings necessitate a comprehensive study to gauge the extent of required repairs, with a plan and costing to follow. Expected to conclude by mid-2024, these efforts aim to restore the vessel's integrity. However, this situation illustrates the broader maintenance hurdles facing naval assets, particularly those of significant scale and complexity.

Navigating a Retention Crisis

The backdrop to these technical troubles is a broader retention crisis within the Navy, with a notable departure of marine propulsion technicians. This personnel challenge adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing maintenance and operational readiness of HMNZS Aotearoa, reflecting wider staffing issues within the defense sector. As the Navy endeavors to rectify the current predicaments, the intersection of technical and personnel issues will likely influence strategic priorities and resource allocation moving forward.

As HMNZS Aotearoa confronts these multifaceted challenges, the implications extend beyond immediate repair needs, hinting at broader considerations for naval asset management, personnel retention, and the ongoing viability of such significant military investments. The unfolding situation underscores the essential balance between operational capability and the maintenance imperative, with a keen eye on the future of naval defense readiness.

[oj]

I have just spent three days in hospital. The guy in the bed opposite me was a full-time enlisted NZ Navy chap with 14 years service, several technical trade qualifications and although we did not talk about this particular ship, he said the situation was very serious regarding loss of staff, technical expertise and the inability to maintain assets.

[Dave Homewood]

I hope you're on the mend OJ.

[oj]

Yeah, just a minor stroke that completely disabled my right hand for a day. It's working again now but not up to full strength for a while yet.

[Dave Homewood]

[machina]

Hopefully you’re still able to have minor strokes with your left hand.

In all seriousness though hope you’re on the mend and back to normal soon.

[flyinkiwi]

Get well soon mate!

[thelensofhistory]

Mar 17, 2024 17:28:45 GMT 12 oj said:

Yeah, just a minor stroke that completely disabled my right hand for a day. It's working again now but not up to full strength for a while yet.

All the best for your recovery.

[kiwirob]

The contaminated fuel issue is mostly due to importing contaminated product, this wasn't an issue when we refined out own fuel. Now instead of re-refining it in NZ we have to export all the contaminated fuel back overseas to be re-refined. This has affected 3-4 batches of avgas, and petrol and diesel supplied to gas stations nationwide, poor quality tarmac, closing Marsden Point was a bad decision that will have repercussions for decades.

IMO the govt needs to buy Marsden Point from it owners (or nationalise it) and spend the billions needed to modernise and reopen it.