The Government is to buy a $493 million naval tanker which will be custom-made for use in the Antarctic. The replacement tanker will be much larger than HMNZS Endeavour, which is due to retire in 2018. Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said the tanker will replace the 30-year-old HMNZS Endeavour which is used to refuel naval vessels and helicopters at sea and to supply fuel and fresh water. The recent White Paper on Defence put a greater emphasis on the Southern Ocean and Antarctic than in the past. However, he said HMNZS Endeavour was due for replacement.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 18, 2016 02:48 UTC