New Zealand Navy Ship Sets New Record with 3.5M Litre Refuelling of U.S Warship in 8.5 Hours

New Zealand Navy’s replenishment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa completed a refuelling operation for its largest vessel, the USS Boxer, a US Navy Amphibious Assault Ship which received 3,350,000 litres of fuel.

The operation under the command of Rob Welford took 8.5 hours, making it the longest such operation undertaken by a ship.

Rob Welford said that the task was challenging but this is what the crew trains for and it is a testament to the interoperability of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

USS Boxer completed its ten-day sailing from San Diego to Hawaii, loaded with ground elements of the USMC 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, aircraft, several helicopters and F-35 fighters.

The amphibious vessel and its aircraft both needed refuelling before they could continue across the Pacific.

Boxer is a 4th Wasp-Class Amphibious Assault Ship commissioned in 1995 with a displacement of 41,000 tonnes and an LOA of 257 m.

Aotearoa is a 26,000-tonne oiler constructed by Hyundai Heavy Industries and commissioned in 2020. It is the largest and newest vessel of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

It has two replenishment at sea masts and can carry 8,000 tonnes of diesel fuel, 1,550 tonnes of aviation fuel, and 250 tonnes of water.

Aotearoa is on Operation Crucible which involves taking part in military exercises and operations showcasing New Zealand’s commitment to world maritime security and stability.

Its main mission is to support New Zealand and its allies’ maritime, land and air units and UN security operations by resupplying ship and aviation fuel, vital goods, fresh water, ammunition etc when needed. It can also be used for humanitarian relief functions, training and combat operations.

Aotearoa has self-defence systems, communications and other advanced systems, features like heating on the upper deck, hull to withstand ice and all-electric replenishment rigs.

It generates lower emissions than other vessels and adheres to Polar Code Safety regulations. It can also undertake operations in the Antarctic including resupplying of Scott Base and McMurdo Station.

References: Janes, Interesting Engineering