HMNZS Canterbury problem 'minor'

The Navy has confirmed its new multi-role transport ship HMNZS Canterbury experienced "a minor mechanical defect" in an engine which prevented it leaving Melbourne on schedule.

The crew had managed to fix the problem and the ship was sailing towards Lyttelton. "There are always niggles with any ship, no matter what its age," Commodore David Anson, maritime component commander, said.

He said the problem was a relatively small matter but it was considered prudent to fix it in the calmer waters of Port Philip Bay.

But National's defence spokesman Wayne Mapp said he would ask questions in Parliament about what exactly went wrong.