The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and the New Zealand Customs Service have unveiled and named two new state-of-the-art Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) to help combat transnational serious and organised crime.

The two agencies have acquired the USVs to further enhance New Zealand’s ability to patrol and protect its maritime interests and security.

Minister of Customs Casey Costello, alongside Defence and Customs officials, attended a naming ceremony at Devonport Naval Base this afternoon. The USVs are named Tahi and Rua.

Built by Sydney-based Ocius Technologies, the USVs were purchased following a successful seven-month trial last year. During the trial a USV played a critical role in an operation to recover a steel box with 7kg of cocaine hidden on the hull of a commercial vessel heading to Auckland.

The 7.4-metre USVs use solar, wind or wave motion to power its monitoring systems and propulsion. It has a top speed of five knots and can operate at sea for a significant period of time before returning to shore. Its sensors include radar, electro-optic and infrared cameras.

Customs Deputy Chief Executive Operations Jamie Bamford says organised crime groups exploit the Pacific to smuggle drugs to New Zealand, and this additional capability helps counter that threat and protect our coastline.

“New Zealand's maritime border faces growing threats from transnational serious and organised crime groups as they continue to focus on exploiting New Zealand and undermining the integrity of the international supply chain and trade routes.

“By investing in new technology that enhances our ability to monitor New Zealand’s vast maritime environment, and can operate at sea for extended periods, USVs represent a, practical, cost-effective and future-ready capability to help protect New Zealand’s interests.

“These vessels enable Defence and Customs to monitor in real time. This live intelligence strengthens our ability to better understand situations and enforcement requirements and enable faster decision-making. This allows Customs, Defence and our agency partners to respond more effectively.”

NZDF Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Shane Arndell, says the USVs are an important part of the Defence Force’s move towards smarter, more sustainable surveillance methods.

“From the outset, the success of the USV trials has come down to strong cooperation across agencies. The technology gives us a clearer maritime picture and helps improve safety and security in challenging environments.

“The addition of Tahi and Rua to the fleet will extend our reach and maintain a persistent watch over our waters and further afield.”

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