The multi-role offshore support vessel has been converted for the Royal New Zealand Navy as a direct replacement for two decommissioned vessels – the hydrographic survey ship Resolution and the diving support vessel Manawanui. The 85m length vessel, formerly Edda Fonn, was identified as the right candidate after defence officials reviewed 150 vessels for their suitability for the diving and hydrographic systems required by the Navy.

Design refinements to the HNC-11000 unit have resulted in a ‘2-in-1’ (single and dual point) davit solution for HMNZS Manawanui; the HNC-11000 user needs only to flick a switch to engage the HNC-11000 unit in dual point mode, to handle large workboats of up to 11 tonnes in weight in conditions up to sea state 5, or in single-point mode to handle 5T MOB Fast Rescue Craft.

The basic H-frame design has not been changed, after proving itself through hundreds of installations over many years of operation in the harshest of marine conditions across a range of davits renowned for low maintenance requirements. However, the HNC-11000 davit can launch and recover a boat from its stowed position without the removal of any stowage components once in operation, with the deployment movement taking less than two minutes. All operations are performed by a single operator, using a remote-control unit.

The HNC-11000 is delivered with shock absorbers, wire pullers and end stops, while a constant tension system (wave motion compensation) is also included to ensure safe handling when retrieving a boat from the sea.

The HNC davit is computer controlled and synchronizes its different components (winches, cylinders, wave compensation) to allow quick and safe operation in high sea states, also limiting performance to avoid human error, when winches will need to be operated manually. The unit also features hydraulic boat guiding arms, while all fittings and hose couplings are made of stainless steel.