Rolls-Royce, HHI to ink deal on naval ship design

Hyundai Heavy Industries will build a logistics support vessel for New Zealand’s Navy, incorporating design concepts developed by British aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce.

The British company said Friday it has secured a milestone contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to provide design references to the shipbuilder based on its Environship Leadge Bow. The company’s Environships are appraised for its designs, such as the wave-piercing hull form, which help reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The designs will be used to build a 23,000-ton vessel that will replace New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF’s) 30-year-old tanker HMNZS Endeavor. HHI is the prime contractor to build the ship as part of NZDF’s Maritime Sustainment Capability project.

The vessel will be based on a modified Environship hull form designed to meet NZDF requirements for a heavily winterized, ice-strengthened vessel capable of carrying out operations in an Antarctic environment.