NZ Ministry of Defence,
Monday 16 February marks the return to sea of the Navy Tanker, HMNZS ENDEAVOUR. The ship has been 'alongside' at the Devonport Naval Base since March 2008 undergoing modifications to her fuel cargo tanks. The modifications were required to ensure she is able to operate as a 'double sided' tanker.
ENDEAVOUR is now good to operate until 2013, when International Maritime Regulations will require tankers to be fully double hulled, a procedure that will not be possible for ENDEAVOUR and will most likely result in her retirement from the Navy.
ENDEAVOUR will sail at 10:00am on Monday morning for sea safety and readiness checks in the Hauraki Gulf prior to a period of navy sea training. This preparation period is in anticipation of a scheduled deployment which will include a port visit to her affiliated homeport of New Plymouth from 13 – 16 March thence Wellington on 20 – 23 March in company with frigate HMNZS TE KAHA.
Early April 2009 will see ENDEAVOUR, in company with frigate HMNZS TE MANA; depart for China and South East Asia. The ships will participate in a Chinese Fleet Naval Review in Quingdao in late April and thereafter participation in the annual Exercise Bersama Lima Five Power Defence Arrangement exercise.
Commanding Officer of HMNZS ENDEAVOUR, Commander David Toms, credits with pride the team effort of his crew to prepare ENDEAVOUR for her return to sea, with all the 49 men and women in his ‘team’ displaying a fine example of the core values of the Navy – courage, commitment and comradeship.
Background Information
The Fleet Replenishment Ship HMNZS ENDEAVOUR is the third ship to bear the name in the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). The first two, both ex US Naval vessels, were originally used in support of the NZ Antarctic Programme from 1956 to 1962 and 1962 to 1971 respectively, and the original being the HM Bark ENDEAVOUR that carried Captain James Cook, RN, on his first voyage to New Zealand.
Unlike her predecessors, the present ENDEAVOUR has been built specifically for the RNZN. Although built essentially to a commercial tanker design and standards, she has been fitted with a variety of specialised equipment to permit her naval role to be fulfilled.
HMNZS ENDEAVOUR carries supplies and fuel for RNZN, Commonwealth and Allied surface units. She can resupply ships at sea, or in overseas ports from the 7,500 tonnes of fuel in her eight tanks, or the supplies held in the four containers on deck. Additionally ENDEAVOUR can provide fuel to helicopters fitted with in flight refuelling.
On 8 April 1988, ENDEAVOUR was commissioned for service with the RNZN and departed Ulsan, South Korea on her delivery voyage to New Zealand on 14 April 1988.
ENDEAVOUR’s motto ‘Nil intentatum’ means ‘Nothing unattempted’. Her crest features a navigator’s compass and the stars of the Southern Cross, symbolising the pioneering navigations and survey work of Captain Cook. Her home port is New Plymouth and she is affiliated with the IHC charity, New Plymouth.
Specifications:
Length: 138 m
Displacement: 7,300 tonnes
Speed: 14 knots
Complement: 50 (Officers and Ratings)
Commanding Officer: Commander Dave Toms
Executive Officer: Lieutenant Commander Sandra Walker
Pennant Number: A11
