New research vessel helps achieve better results

Kaha Loa Two Control Room.
photo: Niva

A new multi-million dollar vessel will boost environmental and marine research efforts in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

The US National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) has taken delivery of this brand new research vessel. Kahaloa II.

The €16 million state-of-the-art vessel will be used to expand research efforts in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

NIWA said the vessel is equipped with the latest technology and equipment to help achieve better research results.

The ship sailed from the Astilleros Amon shipyard in northern Spain, where it was built, and the voyage took 83 days.

Kahaloa II It replaces its predecessor, Kaharoa, which was more than 40 years old and nearing the end of its partnership with NIWA.

It immediately went on its maiden voyage, deploying Argo ocean temperature and salinity monitoring buoys in the Atlantic and western Pacific en route to New Zealand.

NIWA Chief Executive John Morgan said: Kahaloa II It will help meet the fisheries, oceanography and maritime research needs of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

“As an island nation, we have strong cultural, environmental and economic links to the ocean, and NIWA’s work plays a key role in our understanding and management of the ocean,” he said.

“This new ship represents a significant investment in New Zealand’s essential scientific capabilities and builds on our strengths in marine science. It will support the highest quality research that is cost-effective, safe and more environmentally friendly.”

Kaharoa II Wellington Arrival
photo: Caroline Beamish/NIWA

NIWA chief scientist (fisheries) Dr Richard O’Driscoll said the vessel and technology would transform the work NIWA does.

“Kahaloa II “This is the next generation of research vessels, and it will allow us to do more great science,” he said.

“Its endurance is 35 days and its range is 6,500 nautical miles, which means we can go further and longer, from offshore research to the deep sea.”

Kahaloa II Designed by Skipsteknisk, a Norwegian ship design company specializing in research and fishing vessels.

NIWA marine resources manager and project supervisor Rob Christie said the Spanish team was very professional and worked hard to meet NIWA’s strict standards.

“It is a rare privilege to oversee the construction of a new research vessel,” he said.

“The trick is to have a broad support network, a knowledgeable team and governance that understands the complexity, risk and end goal. We have all three.”

Christy says Kahaloa II Equipped with the latest technology, it is quieter underwater and less disruptive to the environment.

Eight meters longer than its predecessor, it is more comfortable, has larger laboratories and deck space, and can accommodate six crew members and up to nine scientists.

Kahaloa II It will deploy and maintain the New Zealand Tsunami Detection Network, conduct long-term fisheries surveys in this country and the Pacific, and continue NIWA’s important contribution to the international Argo programme, which deploys buoys in oceans around the world to measure water conditions for ocean and atmospheric research.

NIWA says the old Kaharoa has deployed about a quarter of the world’s Argo floats, far more than any other ship, and Kahaloa II Will continue this tradition.

Later this month, the vessel will take part in collecting underwater imagery of seafloor biodiversity, habitats and fish in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.