April 11,2008:
New Zealand has dispatched its new MRV (multi-role vessel) HMNZS
Canterbury [PHOTO], overseas for the first time, to a training exercise in the French
Pacific islands of New Caledonia. The Canterbury is a 9,000 ton vessel that can
operate large (CH-47 class) helicopters and carry up to 250 troops. Four UH-60
class helicopters can be carried and maintained. There is also a small
hospital, which can be expanded into the hanger deck. The vehicle deck can
carry a hundred or more vehicles and cargo containers. The ship has a crew of
110, and was built to commercial standards. The model for the ship was a
roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) ferry. This meant the ship only cost about $100
million. The ship carries two landing craft, but does not have a well deck for
launching them. The 55 ton LCM class landing craft are lowered into the
water. There are also 2-4 smaller, and
faster, craft for landing commandos. Armament consists of one remotely
controlled 25mm autocannon. Canterbury is basically a peacekeeping ship.