HMNZS Pukaki (2008) explained
HMNZS Pukaki was a
Lake-class inshore patrol vessel inshore
patrol boat of the
Royal New Zealand Navy.
Pukaki was launched in Whangārei Harbour on 6 May 2008. Its primary duties included border and fisheries protection patrols, surveillance, boarding operations and search and rescue response. Decommissioned in 2019, it was sold to
Ireland for use by the
Irish Naval Service in 2022. Together with its sister,
Pukaki was renamed and commissioned into Irish service, as
LÉ Gobnait, in September 2024.
New Zealand service
Commissioned in 2009, Pukaki was the third ship of this name to serve in the Royal New Zealand Navy and is named after Lake Pukaki.
Pukaki was decommissioned at Devonport Naval Base on 17 October 2019. Regulatory changes in 2012 resulted in operating restrictions around speed and sea states being imposed on them. Subsequently the RNZN assessed them as no longer being suited to the heavy seas typically encountered off New Zealand and further afield.[1]
In 2022, Pukaki, along with her sister, was sold to Ireland for use by the Irish Naval Service.[2] Both ships were purchased by Irish Department of Defence for €26m.
Irish service
Pukaki and Rotoiti were transported, from New Zealand to Ireland, by the heavy lift transport ship Happy Dynamic. Arriving in Ireland in May 2023,[3] they were delivered to the Irish naval base at Haulbowline in Cork Harbour where they underwent a refit.
Pukaki was renamed and commissioned into Irish service, as LÉ Gobnait, in September 2024.[4] [5] [6] The vessel is primarily intended for fisheries protection patrols in the Irish Sea.[7]
See also
External links
Notes and References
- Web site: New Zealand Navy retires two inshore patrol vessels. Naval Today. 17 October 2019 . en-US. 2019-10-17.
- Web site: Government purchases two inshore patrol vessels from New Zealand in €26m investment . Laffan . Rebecca . 13 March 2022 . Irish Examiner . 16 March 2022 .
- Web site: Two new Irish Naval vessels to arrive into Cork Harbour tomorrow . The Journal . Niall . O'Connor . 13 May 2023.
- Web site: Irish Naval Service commissions two inshore patrol vessels . janes.com . Neil . Dee . 6 September 2024. 9 November 2024 .
- LÉ Aoibhinn Sets its Paces Across Dublin Bay Along with Berthing Trials in Dun Laoghaire Harbour . Afloat . 24 July 2024 . Jehan . Ashmore . 9 November 2024 . the former HMZNS Pukaki, now LÉ Gobnait (P72) .
- Web site: LÉ Gobnait, Patrol Vessel, IMO 9368510 . vesselfinder.com . History [..] 2024 [..] Ireland LE GOBNAIT [..] 2009 New Zealand PUKAKI (P 3568) . 9 November 2024 .
- Defence Forces Have No Decision Made on Location of New East Coast Navy Base for €26m Cutters . Afloat . 7 August 2024 . Jehan . Ashmore . 9 November 2024 . minister for Defence, Simon Coveney officially announced [..that..] they would be primarily used for fishery protection patrols in the Irish Sea .
