Statement on Aratere fault

Interislander ferry Aratere has encountered what is believed to be an electrical fault on her arrival into Wellington yesterday afternoon. The vessel was still fully operational, and berthed safely, and passengers disembarked.

However, her scheduled 1445 departure was cancelled to allow time to identify and repair the fault. Affected passengers were transferred onto alternative sailings.

KiwiRail’s Group GM Operations Iain HillI says the team is working to identify and rectify the fault as quickly as possible

“We fully appreciate passenger and customer concerns, particularly given the time of year but I can assure you, we are doing everything we can to address the situation.

ends

“In a 24/7 operation such as this, mechanical issues do occur from time to time and in that respect Interislander is no different from other transport operators. Our reliability levels are

currently at 97.2% for the fleet with Aratere at 97.4%. “

Of the 4,239 sailings scheduled to date over the last twelve months, 97% have been completed on schedule where weather was not a factor.

Aratere works around the clock carrying out 38 crossings a week throughout the year, which is 14 more crossings than the Kaitaki and the Arahura would normally carry out. Aratere makes six sailings a day, between Wellington and Picton. Of these, three are freight-only (both trucks and rail freight) and three carry passengers, their vehicles, trucks, and rail freight.

Aratere has travelled more than three million kilometres since her first trip - equal to 75 circumnavigations of the earth..

At all times, Aratere operates with the certified approvals of regulatory authorities. Classification society Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) have authorised Aratere to operate as a passenger vessel.

ENDS

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