DEFENCE
Serving and protecting with the next generation watercraft. Earlier this year the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) awarded a contract to Tasmanian company PFG to design and construct three 12.5-meter Littoral Maneuver Craft (LMC). This high-speed watercraft will be twin diesel / Hamilton jet-powered and will be assigned to the HMNZS Manawanui for Hydrographic duties and dive support. The LMC’s will provide the RNZN with an improved ability to detect and respond to underwater threats, support expeditionary reconnaissance and provide an agile platform for the transport of troops and material. The LMCs are capable of performing multiple roles and tasks and will in a forward command roles as required. Rob Inches, CEO of PFG, explains what this represents. It is often said that you can choose your friends but not your relations, however in the case of Australia and New Zealand, both categories apply equally. Australia and New Zealand are more than just good friends. We share the same systems and values, have a similar outlook on life, and in many cases, real and deep family relationships exist. The ties that bind us are profound and enduring. Australia and New Zealand’s mateship extends much deeper than fighting together in world wars, regional conflicts, and peace-keeping missions. The bonds that bind us are also based on the bedrock of trust. When British Major General Birdwood noticed mail coming across his desk in Cairo in World War 1 addressed to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, legend is that he came up with the acronym, ANZAC. In 1921, Australia passed a law protecting the name. The ANZAC tradition is now embedded in both our nation’s soul. In Australia, we may think that we are pretty good at innovation, music, the arts, and sport, but we freely acknowledge there are some things Kiwis simply are better at. Take rugby for example. But you know what - as was the case with the recent America’s Cup, many Australians are delighted to be able to support New Zealand and the All Blacks when they are playing on the international stage against other nations, except Australia of course! When it comes to the Defence of our nations this mateship, is now more important than ever. In these times, the only thing there is certainty about is uncertainty. We now must be able to work even closer together, and know a mate is there to watch your back.
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PFG is therefore proud to work with the New Zealand Defence Force in supplying these three 12.5m LMCs. In a real sense, this watercraft will have two main tasks - successfully complete the mission and bring home safely the men and women who serve. At PFG, this is what drives us – and it drives us every day. We understand trying to fight today’s conflicts with yesterday’s technology is difficult, so selecting a nextgeneration boat building material, high density polyethylene (HDPE) or engineered polymer as it’s known, ensure PFG’s Sentinel is at the cutting edge of tactical watercraft. From our somewhat humble beginnings supplying boats and pens to the aquaculture industry in Australia and New Zealand, PFG has tried and tested the durable qualities of HDPE for the harsh environments of the Southern Ocean. PFG has evolved its design and honed its craft over 30 plus years to become a leading supplier in tactical watercraft manufactured from this remarkable material, HDPE.
Line of Defence
