The Government has approved the purchase of a new vessel for the Royal New Zealand Navy.
An 85-metre Norwegian built dive and hydrographic support vessel, the MV Edda Fonn, will be purchased to fill an existing capability gap.
The project will cost $103 million in total.
Following this, the Edda Fonn will be paired with dive and hydrographic systems required by the Defence Force, before being delivered to Devonport Naval Base in May 2019.
"This vessel will ensure that the current capability gaps for diving and hydrography are filled as quickly as possible, with a proven, well tested platform," says Minister of Defence Ron Mark.
"Purchasing this vessel allows the Defence Force to continue to serve the community, nation and world," he says.
The dive and hydrographic vessel will replace HMNZS Resolution and HMNZS Manawanui, and replaced the previous National-led Government's plan to build a $250 million frigate.
The ship is expected to be in service with the Navy by November 2019.
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