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.

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.

Emerging from the Southern hemisphere, PFG along with our naval architects One2Three, have developed a tactical watercraft in The Sentinel, that can withstand everything that nature can throw at it. Developed in Tasmania, in a region steeped in maritime traditions and known for its harsh weather conditions, The Sentinel’s combination of design features, HDPE and craftsmanship, provides unmatched safety and handling characteristics with minimal impact for the crew, equipment, and delivering high performance in challenging sea states.

Constructed with the crew’s safety front of mind, HDPE absorbs vibration reducing the transfer of impact to operators and lowering the risk of injuries associated with slamming and whole-body vibration, which occur with prolonged exposure. Designed for long range and increased operating envelope, The Sentinel provides a high level of crew comfort that results in reduced personnel fatigue.

NZDF personnel will be mission-ready after long transits. The advanced hull design, combined with the properties of HDPE results in a level of performance that continues to astound.

Partnering with highly respected Auckland-based General Marine Services (GMS), PFG provides specialist skills and knowledge including poly welding expertise, to support the Sentinel in situ. With no hot work involved, emergency repairs can be performed by the ship’s crew. The HDPE hull material doesn’t corrode or delaminate, resists fouling, and has a high level of UV protection. Vessels are manufactured using traditional construction methods ensuring a high-quality product, that’s virtually indestructible. The Sentinel is the tactical watercraft designed to serve and protect our mates. For more information visit go to: pfg-group.com.au/thesentinel

TACTICAL WATERCRAFT TO SERVE AND PROTECT