New Zealand: Ferry Aratere Remains in Port Due to Inspection on Board

Aratere ferry remained in port today as the Maritime New Zealand inspectors on board continued to monitor the vessel. Sharyn Forsyth, Maritime New Zealand’s General Manager, Maritime Services, said KiwiRail was working hard to rectify the mechanical system faults that have disrupted services.

“Once Maritime New Zealand has approved a plan to ensure the safety of crew and the public, Aratere will undertake further sea trials – either this evening or tomorrow.”

Sea trials are an important part of the process of identifying and rectifying any faults, and are likely to take place in Wellington harbour.

“Members of the public may see Aratere out in the harbour, where her engines and mechanical systems will be tested in a variety of ways,” said Ms Forsyth.

“As ever, safety is our focus – the vessel will not operate commercially until it is safe to do so.”

Aratere is a roll-on roll-off rail and vehicle ferry in service for Interislander in New Zealand. The ferry was built for Tranz Rail, now KiwiRail, in 1998 to replace the aging MV Aratika. The name Aratere means “Quick Path” in the Māori language.

Like the Interisland ferry Arahura, Aratere has both rail and vehicle decks, both of which can be loaded simultaneously through the stern via a double linkspan. In addition, she has a lower hold that has space for additional cars.

In late 2009, Aratere celebrated her 20,000th crossing of the Cook Strait, having travelled around 2 million kilometres.

Aratere has recently returned to Wellington following her refit at the Sembawang shipyard in Singapore.[4] The refit includes new stern, bow and a new 30-metre (98 ft 5.1 in) section mid-ship. The changes will improve her capacity and efficiency.

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Source: Maritime NZ, November 3, 2011