News Review: More upgrades for NZ Anzacs | ADM Apr 2011

The second phase of a NZ$58 million project to upgrade systems aboard the NZ Navy frigates Te Kaha and Te Mana has begun, NZ defence minister Wayne Mapp said.

“Our Navy works closely with other countries and is a valued international partner in our region’s security arrangements,” Mapp said. “This upgrade in our frigates’ capability will improve the performance and extend the range of conditions in which they are effective.”

The minister said that design and manufacturing contracts have been awarded to Siemens (NZ) Ltd, Noske-Kaiser NZ Ltd, Australian Marine Technologies Pty Ltd, and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems Australia.

“The ANZAC Platform Systems Upgrade (PSU) contracts will allow the NZ Navy to leverage off the technology developments that have been made over the past 20 years. This upgrade in our frigates’ capability will improve the performance and extend the range of conditions in which they are effective,” said the Minister.

Siemens are providing the bulk of the  technology – and according to Paul Ravlich, CEO of Siemens (NZ) ltd, the upgrades included with the IPMS take the two vessels technical sophistication beyond a modern frigate which is coming out of a shipyard now, which would have been designed up to eight years ago.

“These upgrades, effectively give the Royal NZ Navy more modern ships than if they were to purchase new ships coming off the line today – and with significant economic advantages,” Ravlich said.

The contracts awarded are for the upgrade of the Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) and the Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) system on board the ships. The upgraded IPMS will provide improved control and monitoring systems and will enable the introduction of more automation.

The upgrade of the HVAC system will reduce the effects of temperature on the performance and availability of a number of key systems, as well as improving conditions for the crew.

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