The Government has approved the purchase of an almost $500 million naval tanker to replace the HMNZS Endeavour.
The new tanker will undertake a similar role to the 30-year-old Endeavour, which is due to retire in 2018, supplying fuel to the royal New Zealand navy as well as fuel and fresh water to support land operations.
The $493 million vessel will be ice strengthened and winterised for Antarctic operations.
Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said it is important that New Zealand has a significant asset capable of supporting our presence in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
The vessel will be built by South Korean firm Hyundai Heavy Industries and is expected to be delivered in 2020.
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