The Royal New Zealand Navy is set to begin operations with three new 12.5m-long Littoral Manoeuvre Craft (LMC).
The NZ Ministry of Defence announced on 25 October that it has added the three craft, named Matawhā (bronze whaler), Ururoa (great white) and Mako (blue pointer), to the RNZN’s Littoral Warfare Force, HMNZS Matataua.
Commander Trevor Leslie, the commanding officer of HMNZS Matataua said that the high-speed craft will provide a vital link between coastal operations and tactical insertion of diving and hydrographic specialists, as well as providing a reconnaissance option.
The LMCs can transport six divers with their military diving equipment and Zodiac Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), hydrographic survey operations with their REMUS underwater autonomous vehicles, or an infantry section of 10 soldiers with packs and rifles.
“These vessels will allow us to go further and faster with more personnel, and once inserted we can do so much more,” Leslie said. “With the ability to deliver divers, troops and mine countermeasures around coastal waters.”
Built by Australian boat manufacturer, Sentinel Boats, the LMCs are constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) making them more durable and resistant to the impact of waves compared to fibreglass or aluminium and have a very low magnetic and acoustic signature.
The LMCs also have lower maintenance requirements meaning reduced costs to support as they won’t corrode and won’t need repainting during their service lives.
The boats are powered by twin Cummins 550hp diesel engines with HamiltonJet waterjets to offer a top speed of more than 40 knots and a range in excess of 150 nautical miles when fully loaded.
This means that Manawanui will be able to rapidly deploy units over-the-horizon in a stealthy manner to conduct expeditionary surveillance and reconnaissance of coastal areas on the surface and underwater as well as covertly land troops and equipment.
The purchase of the boats is about NZ$4.4 million that includes support, spare parts, two off-road trailers, two cradles for transit on ships, and weather-resistant covers. Sustainment services will be provided by Auckland-based General Marine Services.
Operated by HMNZS Matataua out of the RNZN Base Devonport in Auckland the LMCs are expected to become operational shortly and will eventually embark on the diving and hydrographic vessel, HMNZS Manawanui for transport to overseas areas of operations.
HMNZS Matataua is also set to receive new RHIBs under the Naval Small Craft (NSC) programme that will replace the existing Zodiac Hurricane and Zodiac Milpro J3 that are reaching the end of their service lives.
A RFT was released on 24 October 2022 with requirements for 26 boats about 7.3-7.8m-long and 2.5-2.8m-wide with a range of 120nm, a payload of 3,900kg and a top speed of 35kt in sea state 3. A
contract is expected to be in the range of NZ$21 million and include Henriksen REBS tactical boarding accessories, support, crew training, logistics and transportation equipment.
The RFT closed in January 2023. Deliveries are intended to begin this year with annual deliveries of RHIBs through to FY2026-27. This will rationalise the RHIB fleet, increase commonality and reduce the cost of training, support and operations.