DEFENCE
Nova Systems looks for greater depth in New Zealand’s maritime sector Nova Systems is looking to further build on the depths of its maritime experience in New Zealand with plans to double in size within the next 18 months as the business supports the nation’s defence into the future, according to new General Manager Jude Rushmere. Mr Rushmere revealed the longterm growth plan for the leading engineering services and technology solutions company after taking over the New Zealand helm earlier this year following a global restructure of the company. “We have been successfully working on Operational Test and Evaluation and development of safety cases for New Zealand’s Naval fleet and that will continue to be part of our pipeline as we support delivery of vital capability,” Mr Rushmere said. He said the company was vying for several significant new maritime contracts backed by a strong pedigree of supporting the sector globally and growing into the New Zealand maritime domain during the past eight years. “Among our aspirations is for our highly experienced team to support the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) as it works towards Operational Release of its frigates following their recent upgrades. We also have specialist skills, such as ship surveying, and the flexibility to provide support to larger organisations as part of the Maritime Engineering Support Team construct,” Mr Rushmere said. “Test and Evaluation is embedded in Nova Systems’ DNA, and we’ve particularly focused on delivering this expertise as an integral part of the RNZN for many years including 10
Jude Rushmere , General Manager Nova Systems
the RNZN’s newest vessels HMNZS MANAWANUI and HMNZS AOTEAROA.” HMNZS MANAWANUI was acquired as the RNZN’s specialist dive and hydrographic vessel to close the capability gap for navy after the decommissioning of the survey ship HMNZS RESOLUTION in 2012 and HMNZS MANAWANUI in early 2018. The vessel was purchased by the Ministry of Defence and entered service with the RNZN in 2019, Nova Systems having been tasked with supporting her Test and Evaluation. “Our Nova Systems team is supporting major Maritime projects including with Test and Evaluation, Integrated Logistics and Engineering
Assurance support services for the RNZN Dive Hydro and Maritime Sustainment vessels,” Mr Rushmere said. “We also provided expert advice on the Future Maritime Support Construct that would see the RNZN move to an ISO 55000 framework when they are ready.” HMNZS AOTEAROA supports combat operations, humanitarian relief functions and operational and training support. Its primary mission is to provide global sustainment to New Zealand and coalition maritime, land and air units, and United Nations security operations through resupply of ship and aviation fuel, dry goods, water, spare parts, and ammunition. “Our involvement has included supporting the introduction of the vessel into service including the successful Trials and Development planning including the Antarctic Replenishment Operations when HMNZS Aotearoa completed her first re-supply mission to the ice,” Mr Rushmere said. “Our Safety Assurance services have expanded after successful completion of an Independent Safety Case Assurance Review for AOTEAROA generated confidence in our capabilities. This supported Nova Systems being awarded a contract to develop a retrospective Safety Case for the Offshore Patrol Vessels.” Line of Defence
