Aratere update

3 November 2011
Aratere update

Tests to ensure the safe operation of Cook Strait ferry Aratere are continuing and services will be cancelled till that is completed, Interislander general manager Thomas Davis said this evening.

He apologised to customers for the disruption, but safety is paramount for Interislander.

Mr Davis said Aratere would not resume services till Interislander was confident in its ability to sail properly.

“Interislander ships are crewed with experienced professional Masters and Chief Engineers who would not take their ships to sea unless they were confident in the ship and its ability to complete the sailing safely. Interislander takes a precautionary approach, and our customers can have confidence that they are in good hands.”

Interislander has cancelled all sailings from 0605 on November 1 till 1005 on November 4, inclusive. Affected passengers and freight customers have been offered alternative arrangements.

Mr Davis said a blackout test was successfully carried out last night, and key repairs had been done today. A test would be held tomorrow morning in Wellington Harbour, aimed at running the ship’s engines and power control systems to ensure they worked properly. This involves a full load engine failure test to simulate the failure that occurred on Monday evening.

Mr Davis said engine and power management technical experts Wartsila and ABB have been brought in to assist Interislander.

He said regional public health officials had also visited Aratere today and confirmed there was no “rat infestation” on board, as had been alleged.

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