[Yonhap Photo]
SEOUL -- Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world's largest shipbuilder launched a 23,000-ton naval logistics support ship for New Zealand. The ship, equipped with a hybrid propulsion system, features ice-resistant capabilities so that it can operate in the Antarctic waters.
Hyundai Heavy said that the vessel was launched Wednesday in a ceremony attended by David Proctor, chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy, in the southeastern port city of Ulsan. The ship ordered in July 2016 is 173 meters long and 24 meters wide.
The ship named "Aotearoa", the Maori name for New Zealand, can sail at a maximum speed of 16 knots (29.6 km/h). It can load up to 10,000 tons of supply oil and 12 containers. Depending on its speed, the ship can use either electric or diesel engine propulsion.
Aotearoa, which is the biggest naval vessel in New Zealand, will be delivered for naval duty in 2020.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
![[OPINION] North Koreas provocations highlight South Koreas success](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2024/01/10/20240110171737102169.jpg)