The vessel, which measures 173.2 m in length and 24.5 m in width, will support RNZN operations by providing fuel, food , water and ammunition.

ROKS Daecheong (AOE-58) was deployed by the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) to the ceremony to wish Aotearoa a safe voyage.

The ceremony, held at HHI headquarters in Ulsan, Korea, was attended by Mr. Nam Sang-hoon, Senior Executive Vice President of HHI, Mr. Philip Turner, Ambassador of Korea to New Zealand, and Major General Sung Il, Director-General of the Administration of the International Cooperation of Defense Acquisition Program.

The departure is remarkable that Korea successfully exported logistics support vessel to the country which sent warships during the Korean War based on advanced technology.

“We are honored to have demonstrated our excellent naval ship design and construction capabilities by delivering HMNZS Aotearoa despite COVID-19,” stated Mr. Nam, a Senior Executive Vice President of HHI.  

New Zealand Ambassador of Korea Mr. Philip said, “We’d like to thank HHI for its efforts to ensure the successful delivery of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s largest-ever ship. The close cooperation between HHI and its subcontractors and New Zealand Ministry of Defence Project Team on the basis of mutual trust is what made the delivery of the ship possible.”

Maritime Business World