The arrival of the new Royal New Zealand Navy vessel in Auckland from Australia, where it was built, has been delayed "some days" because of faults found in its engines.
Director of defence communications group Commander Phil Bradshaw said yesterday Otago was carrying out sea trials off Melbourne when the faults were found.
It has returned to Melbourne and technicians for the engine manufacturers, M.A.N. Group, and the ship's builders, BAE Systems Australia, are working on repairs.
The ship was officially handed over to the New Zealand navy last month and was due to arrive in Auckland on Friday.
Cmdr Bradshaw said the ship was under warranty.
The $90 million Otago was scheduled to be handed over to the New Zealand navy in April 2007, but the Ministry of Defence has been negotiating with BAE Systems since last May because it estimates the ship is 100 tonnes overweight.
The ship was part of a $500 million seven-ship order that has been dogged with problems including the need to spend an extra $20 million on health and safety issues on board HMNZS Canterbury.
Otago is due to visit Dunedin before winter.
