Sealord Rescue - Hohapata
Sealord Rescue
Project Duration:
L.O.A: 11.3m
LENGTH ON DECK: 3.3m
BEAM: 4.2m
DRAFT: 600mm
CONSTRUCTION: Aluminum/EVA foam pontoons
DESIGNER: NAIAD
POWER: 2 X Yanmar 6LY 440hp (324Kw)
DISPLACEMENT: 8440kg light @ 3300rpm
SERVICE SPEED: 30kt
The recent launch of Hohapata Sealord rescue Nelson new Coastguard Rescue Vessel (CRV) comes after a three and a half year planning and fundraising campaign by Nelson Coastguard. The vessel completion is testament to the hard work of the volunteers from Coastguard Nelson, its many funders and sponsors, the Nelson community, and the build team from Aimex.
Nelson Coastguard from the very onset were adamant that both the design and build had to be done right and ensure that the final product would be fit for service given that the vessel would need to be in service for the next 20 years.
To get the right vessel, a very thorough an in-depth needs analysis was undertaken, firstly looking at the many missions that the current unit had already undertaken, then reviewing the conditions within its 7500sq km area of operation, and finally some very robust discussions with crew on the findings. This was then followed up with a review of a number of other vessels within the coastguard livery. We checked their performance during the years of service and matched up the vessel with the needs identified.
The vessel was narrowed down to a Niaid 11.3 twin jet that was in service with Kaikoura Coastguard. Following visits by skippers and crew, the Kaikoura design was selected and in discussion with Coastguard New Zealand (CNZ) through its Fleet manager, this vessel was selected as Nelsons new CRV.
Fundraising for a $1.4m build is not an easy task but through the efforts of an appointed fundraising manager (Mr Wayne Ormandy) and the support of Mr Pic Picot as the unit fundraising Patron. The local business community and trusts were approached and in short were given the Coastguard story and that we needed their help now. One of the business approached was Sealord who took up the cause and become the naming sponsor with $215K sponsorship. In addition, other major community trusts such as NZCT, Lion Foundation and Pub charity all provided significant funding.
The success of a project of this type is down to good project management (PM) and financial planning (separate to normal unit finances). We had to ensure the money was coming in and funders were being provided with up-to-date information. The project management role ensured there were no variations other than those approved through the working group and the unit management team. The project manager had a $5k discretionary amount to allow the project to maintain its momentum.
Covid 19 was unexpected and did affect fundraising for a short term. On the more positive side the unit opted to start the build straight after lockdown to keep local workers employed
It was very clear from the start of the project that this had to be a Nelson build for many reasons, one of them being it was funded from the community, so any economic benefit should be local. Secondly having a local trusted build partner allowed for real tangible benefits in cost reduction for project management and oversight as well the many non-tangible benefits such as unit volunteers being able watch the CRV taking shape. Other benefits have included having a local surveyor involved from the design phase to completion reducing any risk of compliance issues for CNZ or Maritime NZ.
In having Aimex build this new CRV, there were multiple benefits. Importantly their experienced staff who had built the last CRV for Kaikoura were still in the business. Added to this Aimex was also the agents for the selected Yanmar engines and very familiar with the Hamilton jet units. Their hospitality and flexibility around allowing our team to visit the build at any time through the unit’s project manager provided the Coastguard team the confidence on the build process.
Aimex were able to deliver the CRV on time and on spec with only minor issues in the final 171-point check list being found in the handover process.
Hohapata Sealord Rescue is a Vessel that everyone who has been involved with its development, fundraising and build can feel extremely proud of this great achievement. More importantly, she will save lives at sea.
Pete Kara
President Nelson Coastguard
CNZ Board member
