Correct, because of the tight timeframes the MRV was contracted out by Tenix to Merwede Shipbuilders in the Netherlands, the OPV are to be mostly built in Australia with some input from NZ companies, and the IPV will be built in NZ.
"During February, RNZN officers attended the design review at Merwede Shipbuilders in the Netherlands, where the ship that is to be New Zealand’s Multi-Role Vessel is to be built. The MRV design is being adapted from a proven ‘Ro-Pax’ ferry design, the BEN MY CHREE of the Isle Of Man Steam Packet Company.
Ben My Chree is a combination passenger and freight ferry, providing the daily link between the Isle of Man and the north of England. [The Isle of Man, in the Irish Sea, is a major holiday destination, as well the venue for the Tourist Trophy Grand Prix motorcycle endurance races and other sporting events.] Although well served by airlines, the island requires regular, reliable sea transport. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has an agreement with the Manx government that allows it to have sole use of the linkspan in the port of Douglas in return for a guaranteed service to the island. The 12,500gt Ben My Chree makes two crossings a day during week days from the Isle of Man’s main port of Douglas to Heysham, near Morecambe, on the north-west coast of England. At the weekends she switches to a Douglas to Liverpool service (also served by a high-speed catamaran out of Liverpool).
Commodore Clipper sails the route between the UK and the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey. The Jersey-based Commodore Group operates a number of ferries and high-speed craft between the UK, the Channel Islands and the northern coast of France. At US$48 million, Commodore Clipper - designed to carry freight, as well as passengers – is the largest single ship for maintaining the crucial link between the islands and the mainland. She can take six to eight hours to complete the crossing. The Channel Islands government granted an operating licence for the Commodore Clipper in 1998 on the understanding that full passenger accommodation would be available during the winter months (because weather conditions often do not allow the two fast ferries to serve the route).
DESIGN
The Commodore Clipper, a passenger and ro-ro cargo vessel (or Ro-Pax) was built at the Rotterdam-based van der Giessen de Noord shipyard in the Netherlands during 1998–1999. Commodore Clipper is constructed to meet the classification standards of Det Norske Veritas; the overall design is a continuation of the yard’s blueprint for ferries which it has built for three other companies: Norse Irish Ferries, Stena Line (UK) and Finaval.
Ben My Chree was built to Lloyd’s Register classification standards. She first entered service in summer 1998 but, following a series of customer complaints about on-board standards and facilities - passengers had also been disappointed that the initial design of the ship barred them from outside decks - the ferry company was forced to send her for a refit during her first winter to improve passenger accommodation. The ship has also undergone a £1.5 million refit in the January / February 2004 in which a new accommodation module was added, which greatly enhanced the ship’s passenger accommodation. In addition to the new accommodation section, the stern door was modified and the new livery including traditional steam packet stripes on the funnel were added.
FACILITIES
Commodore Clipper’s cargo capacity is up to 92 truck/trailer combinations and 279 cars. Space is provided for 500 passengers, 160 accommodated in 40 four-berth cabins. However, in summer operations when the wave piercers are also running, the vessel is restricted to 300 passengers. Crew accommodation is available for 37. There is a self-service restaurant, lounge, panoramic bar, VIP lounge and duty-free shop.
PROPULSION
Both ferries are powered by two MaK9M32 medium-speed diesel engines each developing 5,873bhp - a total of 11,746bhp – driving two controllable pitch propellers for an 18-19 knot service speed. For manoeuvrability in the small harbours that they use, the ships have bow thrusters.
Gross Registered Tonnage
BMC: 12,503 Commodore Clipper:13,456t
Passenger Capacity: 500
BMC: 420 in ordinary seating &80 in 20 four-berth cabins.
Commodore Clipper: 340 in seating & 160 in 40 4-berth cabins
Vehicle Capacity (Cars)
BMC: 275 Commodore Clipper:279
Service Speed 19 knots
Length Overall
BMC 125.2m Commodore Clipper:129.14m
Beam (both) 23.4 metres
Draught (both) 5.8 metres
Freight Capacity:
1235 lane-metres; 92 truck/trailers
Engine Type MAK 2 X 9m32
Year Completed:
BMC 1998 Commodore Clipper: 1999
Builders:
Van der Giessen de Noord(now part of Merwede Shipyards)Holland
Cost
BMC: US$39.5m Commodore Clipper: US$48M "
http://www.navy.mil.nz/rnzn/article.cfm?article_id=1661&article_type=discuss
