Two Tauranga-raised Navy engineers are playing a key role in the extensive refurbishment of HMNZS Canterbury while the vessel undergoes a six-month maintenance period in Singapore.

Lieutenants Cat Enticott and Philip Kim, Canterbury’s deputy engineering officers, are overseeing a major overhaul of the Royal New Zealand Navy logistics vessel at Tuas Shipping Yard.

The work includes a diesel engine overhaul, galley upgrade, engine control improvements, and refurbishment of the ship’s ballast water treatment system, sewage treatment plant and Integrated Platform Management System, a statement from the New Zealand Defence Force said.

For Kim, 31, the maintenance period presents a markedly different challenge from life at sea.

“In a maintenance period, our workload increases significantly. That, combined with the heat and humidity, can be a challenge,” he said.

Born in South Korea and raised in Tauranga, Kim joined the Navy in 2021 after completing university studies.

“I wanted to challenge myself and experience personal and professional growth through a career in the New Zealand Defence Force,” he said.

“It’s a different life and career to the ordinary, involving service to my country. I also wanted to travel to some unique places.”

While Singapore offers easy access to destinations across Southeast Asia, Kim says his focus remains firmly on the ship’s maintenance programme.

Enticott, 27, who joined the Navy in 2017, said the dry dock environment was a world away from normal shipboard operations.

“You’re working with contractors and the project team and dealing with the many unexpected issues that come up when you take a ship apart and put it back together again,” she said.

“Dry dock and maintenance environment is very different from normal shipboard life. It’s constantly changing and there’s lots of different people and organisations on board.”

Despite the challenges, she said the experience had strengthened her leadership and problem-solving skills.

A highlight of the deployment was her husband visiting Singapore for a month.

“It was nice to be able to share some of the Singapore experience with him,” she said.

Enticott said she originally joined the Navy seeking a career that offered qualifications, hands-on experience and opportunities to travel.

With Canterbury’s refit progressing, both officers are looking forward to returning to New Zealand, reconnecting with family and friends and resuming normal operations at sea.

“And not having to think about the ship 24/7!” Enticott said.