So the Defence Capability Plan 2019 was released in June 2019 it covers the defence spending out to about 2030 of what type new equipment the NZDF will receive, although not saying exactly what they will buy for example a 2nd enhanced sealift vessel for RNZN but only basically say it's capability, not what the actual vessel is or where they will get it built or even the exact style of the vessel. There are many options from LPD's too small LHD's.

Suggested new naval purchases also contribute to these broader strategic objectives. HMNZS Canterbury’s sea-state ratings for landing craft operations are limited, so a new landing platform dock that has a greater cargo capacity can cope with higher sea state, has a shallow draught and has improved self-protection capability would improve potential contributions in the Pacific.

The DCP-2019 basically says that the government have recognised the value of a sealift vessel, but the current vessel has limitations and the new vessel the want to rectify these limitations, and the main limitation is lack of a well dock on HMNZS Canterbury. 

Noting the value and capabilities of what HMNZS Canterbury the NZG and MoD want more, the new vessel will be larger and more capable, needs to carry more equipment, more troops and least the same number of helo's which is x3 NH-90 and x1 SH 2G(I) SeaSprite.

Because Canterbury doesn't have a well dock, Canterbury can carry quite a sizable load for the size of the vessel with 40-50+ vehicles (depending on load out a vehicle size etc) and x33 20 foot containers. Canterbury also has a 5 bed hospital, and 2 bed sickbay, an operation theatre, a morgue, scientific labs, various workshops, gym, an armory, and magazine.

Going by the DCP2019 they want to increase the capabilities in all these area's carry more equipment, more troops, most likely a larger hospital facilities. They want at least the same capabilities in the helicopters capability but possibly more reading between the lines.  To be able to launch and recover drones, to be special operations with being able to deploy NZSAS. And the self defence of said vessel should be more that a single 25mm auto cannon and a couple of 50cal HMG's.

Read the full Defence Capability Plan 2019 here. So let's look at what the DCP19 says;

Page 13

and from page 33 and 34

So we know that there will be a second enhanced sealift ship with a proper well dock with in the next 10 years and it will work alongside HMNZS Canterbury not replace her. We also know that it will can carry more troops and personal as well as more equipment, will be able to operate multiple helo's and have enhanced facility's that of HMNZS Canterbury. We also know more that 1 billion + of the 20 billion is budgeted for this vessel.

So let us look at our options for both LPD's as well as some of the smaller LHD's that could meet the NZDF and RNZN's needs, that are set out by the NZG in the DCP19 and which is continually changing. So first let us look and the capabilities of HMNZS Canterbury L421.

• How much for an enhanced sealift vessel?

One thing to note in this article is calculations on cost and inflation and is only a very quick calculation and can not be taken for granted as many things can happen between now and then and can only be an estimate. I also calculate to 2025/2026 which is roughly when the NZDF, MoD and NZG will make the decision as the request for tender is 2024 and will know the cost of the project. The important thing here is the 1B + the + here is meaning they could budget more if truly needed. 

To give an indication on inflation, HMNZS Canterbury in 2005 cost $130 Million or $130,000,000 NZD if we inflate that to 2019, it would cost $172 Million or $172,000,000. Now remember the new LHD/LPD is budgeted a $1 Billion or $1,000,000,000 + and that will be in in around 2025/26 inflated dollars when the contract is expected to be signed.

HMNZS Canterbury - L421

HMNZS Canterbury before her alterations.

Armaments

As a strategic sealift ship, HMNZS Canterbury is not intended to enter combat zone, or conduct opposed landings under fire. Therefore the ship's armament only consists of a single 25 mm M242 Bushmaster cannon fitted to an MSI DS25 stabilised mount, four .50 calibre machine guns, as well as a number of other small arms. These are intended for self-defence against other smaller craft, and for ocean patrol duties (for example the intercepting of suspicious civilian craft) during a naval blockade. NOTE: There are actually x2 .50 calibre machine guns on each bridge wing.

Facilities
Cargo

The ship has cargo space of 1,451 square metres (15,620 sq ft), which can be unloaded via two ramps, either from the starboard side or the stern.

The indicative cargo would encompass (as one possible loadout): 14 Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicles, 16 NZLAV light armored vehicles, 7 Unimog trucks, 2 ambulances, 2 flatbed trucks, 7 vehicle trailers, 2 rough terrain forklifts, 4 ATV-type vehicles and up to 33 20 ft TEU containers.

The ship is equipped to embark up to eight containers of ammunition and up to two with hazardous materials, and also has an extensive fire sprinkler system.

This is quite a load out for a ship of this size but because HMNZS Canterbury does no have a well dock which takes up valuable space this extra space is now vehicle lanes.

Landing craft

The ship also carries two Landing Craft, Medium. The landing craft have a length of 23 metres (75 ft) and a displacement of 55 tonnes (empty) to 100 tonnes (loaded with two NZLAVs). They are operated by a crew of three, using two Azimuth thrusters generating 235 kW. 

The LCMs can be loaded from either of Canterbury's two 60 tonne cranes or via the stern ramp. To aid stern ramp loading, the MRV is fitted with Flippers to ensure that the LCM are aligned with the MRV. A ballasting system is fitted to allow for safe operations during loading. Once loaded, the LCM can conduct over-the-beach landings, with the boats mainly intended to be able to access beaches in the Pacific where no port facilities are available, for example during humanitarian missions.

• How much for an enhanced sealift vessel?
• Why do I think the Endurance 170 LHD is a good choice for the RNZN.
• Ship to Shore : Amphibious Support Ships in The The Asia-Pacific Region
• Sense of scale

Helicopter facilities

Canterbury was able to accommodate up to four NH90 helicopters for deployment ashore in support of New Zealand Army operations and disaster relief activities. This was reduced to 3 NH-90 after the alterations to the RHIB alcoves  and internal ships ladder were made. She is also capable of operating the SH-2G Seasprite and the helicopter deck is able to handle a Chinook-size helicopter.

Medical

Canterbury has a five-bed hospital ward, a two-bed sickbay, an operating theatre, a medical laboratory, and a morgue.

Others

The ship also contains a gym, workshops, an armory, and magazine, as well as offices for government officials embarked (such as Department of Conservation or NIWA scientists).

Alterations

The main thing that HMNZS Canterbury is missing to make her a truly capable vessel is a well dock. But she would probably also have to be longer, else too much space below would be taken up on the dock meaning fewer vehicles she can carry. So she would have to be longer this would have meant that she was not in the 130 million dollar budget...

HMNZS Canterbury had a very rough start in her life, with the loss of a sailor, she had sea keeping issues when she was empty and low on fuel. Canterbury doesn't have standard stabilizing fins and instead uses ballast tanks. This was because she was intended to go south in to the Ross Sea. Her hull is ice strengthened to Polar Class 6. These issues have been addressed an mostly fixed. The RHIB alcoves were moved forward and up, the ships ladders became auto internal ladders, and a good dollop of concrete was added to help with sea keeping when she is travelling light.  The alterations meant she can now only carry 3 NH-90 and a Seasprite not 4. 

All this said and done HMNZS Canterbury is showing her worth, she has done multiple HADR missions in the Pacific including the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes, resupply missions and and exercises, from the US led Pacific Partnership, to RIMPAC, to Exercise Talisman Sabre, Southern Katipo, Exercise Joint Waka, Exercise Croix du Sud,and a variety of others without issues. She is also a good training ship where a variety of trainees can learn their trade.

Is she perfect, no. Is she a stepping stone to learn full amphibious operations, yes. while she will never be able to fully meet the original requirements set out by the government of the time, ie; I can not see her travelling to the Ross sea etc, the navy have learnt what they can and can not do with her. The Government can see the advantage of having a capable strategic sealift vessel hence the requirement of an enhanced vessel set out by the DCP2019.

LPD - Landing Platform Dock

So the DCP says "a Landing Platform Dock is an example of the type of vessel that will be considered." and while that is most likely what we will get it is not our only options as stated above some LPD's are as big as the smaller LHD's and lot more expensive.

The budget of more than 1 billion NZD is a lot of LPD even when you take in consideration of the LCM's and when I say a lot I mean a lot and it if you going to spend that much on an LPD, then might well spend the same money on a smaller LHD and have that enhanced helo operations which give an overall enhanced performance and even minor force projection.

Now I am not suggesting that the options I post here are the only options or the right options, I am just saying they are options. The other thing is, many of the options are not much more than HMNZS Canterbury can do but has a well dock... For this article, I will be using info found on Wiki and while it won't be 100% accurate it will be close enough for this article. So let us look at some options;