New navy ship sails on one engine

The navy's new offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Otago could happily finish its familiarisation voyage around New Zealand on one engine, says its skipper after it had gearbox problems soon after it left Auckland.

The starboard engine was shut down off the East Cape of the North Island after a lubricating pump in the starboard gearbox caused problems and led to a reduction in gearbox oil pressure.

The 85-metre ship continued to Dunedin on one engine and an expert from the company which supplied the gearbox was due in the city today to sort out the problem.

The ship's commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Simon Rooke, said even with one engine the ship performed magnificently although the conditions were relatively calm.

He said the starboard engine was shut down as a precaution to prevent damage when an alarm went off.

The gearbox would be repaired under warranty.

Lt Cdr Rooke said Otago and her sister ship Wellington were designed for New Zealand conditions and performed magnificently.

Both ships were designed to sail to the Southern Ocean and had ice protection.

Lt Cdr Rooke said Otago would not head farther south than Bluff on its current voyage but one of the two offshore patrol vessels may head south around New Year to support the Department of Conservation in the sub Antarctic islands.

Both Otago and Wellington had engine problems earlier this year when they left the shipbuilder's yard in Melbourne. Those problems were all repaired under warranty.

The ship's company is due to march through the streets of Dunedin tomorrow in a charter parade.

Otago sails for Bluff on Tuesday.

- NZPA