NZ MoD releases RFT for dive vessel conversion

The New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MoD) has released a request for tender (RFT) for an upgrade programme encompassing the electrical and mechanical systems of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s diving and hydrographic vessel HMNZS Manawanui.

The upgrade will involve removal of non-essential equipment and installation of the necessary systems to make the vessel fully capable of naval operations by the end of the year.

Conversion works will be carried out at the naval base in Devonport near Auckland from October to December.
Originally built in 2003 as the oil and gas support vessel Edda Fonn, Manawanui was commissioned into New Zealand service in June of this year following fitting out in Denmark.