French navy ship the Jacques Cartier is descending on Napier Port for a goodwill visit this week.
During the small landing ship's visit, Lieutenant Commander Joseph Couval, who captains the ship, will host an Art Deco-themed cocktail party.
A lunch on board the ship for dignitaries, including Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott, is
also planned along with a social soccer match with Port Hills Soccer Club.
Put into service in 1983, the Jacques Cartier is the fourth in a series of five such vessels built for the French navy and is based in Noumea, New Caledonia.
Originally designed for the easy transportation of a motorised infantry company, its flat-bottomed design allowed for easy access to the shore. Up to 400 tonnes of equipment can be loaded and unloaded through bow doors and a special platform allows light helicopters to land.
Recently, the ship was involved in a multinational operation in New Caledonia where it deployed about 300 American, Australian, French and New Zealand troops to find mines laid during World War II. Trained dolphins were part of the operation. This time last year, the small landing ship was engaged in relief work assisting the victims of the 2009 tsunami in Samoa.
On Saturday, the Jacques Cartier will be open to the public for guided tours between 11am and 3pm. Parking will be available on Breakwater Road.
Entry is by gold coin donation in aid of local charities, organised by members of the Ahuriri Rotary Club.
The ship arrives on Friday and departs on Monday.
