Royal NZ Navy Formation Entry Fuelled by BP

10 February 2016

Royal NZ Navy Formation Entry Fuelled by BP

BP fuelled the Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN) ceremonial formation entry into Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour on Monday, one of the key events to mark the beginning of the Navy’s 75th year celebrations.

Viewable from North Head, the three Navy vessels included HMNZS CANTERBURY, HMNZS WELLINGTON and HMNZS HAWEA.

The largest of the three, HMNZS CANTERBURY has a fuel capacity of 880,000 litres which gives her the range to sail from Auckland to Kuwait without refuelling.

That’s the equivalent of filling approximately 16,000 passenger cars.

With a tank capacity of 370,000 litres, HMNZS WELLINGTON could reach Los Angeles in one trip while the smallest of the three, HMNZS HAWEA, could reach Darwin on one tank.

Even though these impressive vessels are re-fuelled at approximately 1,200L per minute under high pressure, the process can take hours compared to a passenger vehicle that fills at around 25L per minute and takes less than 212 minutes.

Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral (RADM) John Martin ONZM said the Navy enjoys a good working relationship with BP and is proud to have them take part in the 75th Anniversary celebrations.

“The formation entry and gun salutes were a success, and it was great to see members of the public, on both land and sea, view the ceremonies,” RADM Martin said.

BP Managing Director Matt Elliott said BP was honoured to provide fuel to the Royal New Zealand Navy and support them in their 75th year.

“With a strong Navy fleet covering vast travel distances both locally and internationally, ongoing fuel supply is essential to support their everyday operations and we are glad to be able to provide that.”

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