A PLYMOUTH-based ice ship has arrived in New Zealand as part of her historic Southern Ocean patrol.
HMS Protector, the Royal Navy's designated ice patrol ship, has recently completed a five-week patrol in Antarctica – the first UK vessel to have visited the region and travelled so far south in 80 years.
The arrival of the specialist ice ship in Christchurch marks the close cooperation that exists between the UK and New Zealand in protecting the Southern Ocean from illegal fishing activities.
Acting British High Commissioner to New Zealand, Helen Smith said HMS Protector's Antarctic patrol was a good example of the relationship between the two countries.
"With New Zealand, we have shared scientific programmes and stewardship roles in the region," she said.
"This patrol has deepened that co-operation and will ensure fishing and other commercial activities in the Ross Sea region are carried out in line with international conservation agreements."
During her five-week patrol, and with the support of New Zealand and Australian officers, Protector inspected a number of fishing vessels to ensure they adhere to the strict licensing regulations in the area.
In addition, the ship also paid a visit to the Italian Antarctic research station, Mario Zucchelli, while members of the ship's company paid homage to legendary British Antarctic explorers, Captain Robert Falcon Scott RN and Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Commander Trefor Fox, Protector's Second in Command, added that it was good to be working with Australian and New Zealand partners.
He said: "One hundred years after Sir Ernest Shackleton's epic Endurance expedition, it is an honour for HMS Protector to have made our own 'trans-Antarctic' visit to East Antarctica and the Ross Sea region.
"We are delighted to work in partnership with our Australian and New Zealand colleagues to underpin our shared Antarctic Treaty objectives."
