The Government has approved the purchase of a dive and hydrographic support vessel for the Navy at a cost of $103 million.
Photo: Supplied
The 85 metre Norwegian built vessel will be outfitted with the systems required by the Defence Force, before being delivered to Devonport Naval Base in May next year.
Once delivered, final modifications will be undertaken in New Zealand.
Defence Minister Ron Mark said it was expected that New Zealand industry would be involved in that part of the project, with the ship expected to be in service with the Navy by November 2019.
"[The] Navy's specialist divers and hydrographers provide vital services to New Zealand, the Pacific, and our partners.
Photo: Supplied
"In recent years this has included undertaking underwater search and rescue with the New Zealand Police, surveying the seabed following the Kaikōura earthquake, or removing unexploded historical ordnance in the Pacific islands."
He said purchasing the vessel allows the Defence Force to continue to serve the community, nation and world.
Some of the new and enhanced capabilities include a 100 ft salvage crane, a remotely operated vehicle and a contemporary dynamic positioning system, which will allow Navy's specialist divers to achieve greater levels of effectiveness and safety, in a greater range of conditions.
The project budget for the purchase, modifications and introduction into service of the dive and hydrographic capability is $103m.
The government said that had been funded through an existing appropriation.