<p>Local yachts and ships during Tall Ship race arrival in Auckland, 25 October 2013 - North Head
</p><p>The Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) HMNZS OTAGO and WELLINGTON deliver substantial new capability to the Royal New Zealand Navy.  The ships can go further offshore, stay at sea longer, and conduct more challenging operations than the Inshore Patrol Vessels, and will enable the RNZN to conduct patrol and surveillance operations around New Zealand, the southern ocean and into the Pacific.
The OPV’s are capable of many roles including maritime patrol, surveillance and response.  They have the ability to conduct helicopter operations using a Seasprite SH2G helicopter, boarding operations using the ships Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats, or Military Support Operations with embarked forces.
</p><p>The OPV’s have strengthened hulls which enable them to enter southern waters where ice may be encountered.  They are not designed as ice-breakers or to enter Antarctic ice-packs, but have the range and capability to undertake patrols in the southern ocean where ice may be encountered.
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The ships are highly automated and operate with a core crew of 35, plus 10 flight crew to operate a helicopter.  The ships power and control systems are fully computerised.
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/57502641@N04">Noel Jones</a>
CC BY-SA 2.0
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/zk-ngj/10520867883/">P55 HMNZS Wellington_2587</a>