Kaitaki

Several vehicles aboard the 'Kaitaki' have been damaged, and one passenger injured on the crossing that left Wellington on the morning of Dec 27 en route to Picton at 8.45 a.m. The ferry experienced a significant roll while passing near the Karori lighthouse area. As a result, some passenger vehicles shifted and siffered damage. One passenger suffered a minor injury, and our crew provided immediate medical assistance. A full assessment was conducted following the vessel’s arrival in Picton. Report with photo: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/vehicles-damaged-one-injured-on-rolling-interislander-ferry-sailing/D2M6E447VZDQXCLMTLT6OYD3LY/

iwiRail has been sentenced after the 'Kaitaki' lost propulsion while approaching Wellington Harbour on Jan 28, 2023, and drifted south of Wellington in dangerous conditions. The 800 passengers were mustered and supplied with lifejackets while the ferry regained limited power, eventually making its way to port in Wellington. At the time of the incident, the ferry faced strong southerly winds, with gusts of up to 45 knots and swells of three metres near the entrance to the harbour. Had the anchors failed, the vessel could have run aground at Sinclair Head. The propulsion failure was caused by a malfunction in a rubber expansion joint, which led to the shutdown of the Kaitaki’s main engine, leaving the ferry adrift. Maritime NZ commended KiwiRail for pleading guilty. “There were significant failings that caused the ferry to lose power. Poorly managed maintenance and processes on the Kaitaki meant its passengers, crew, and the environment were put at risk. This incident demonstrated the serious consequences of poor maintenance and emphasised the need for operators to ensure their vessels are well-maintained and properly managed." KiwiRail was fined $412,500 for its breach under the Health and Safety at Work Act and ordered to pay $20,000 in costs.

The 'Kaitaki' has been missing one of two stabiliser fins for more than 18 months, meaning sailings were cancelled on the niight of July 1, 2024. KiwiRail announced that all sailings between Wellington and Picton would be cancelled until the morning of July 4 due to heavy swells and rough weather. All sailings only involved the 'Kaitaki', as the 'Kaiarahi' is undergoing a month-long wet docking in Picton, and the 'Aratere' is still under detention and repair following its steering failure and grounding outside Picton on June 21. KiwiRail’s fleet of three ferries has stabilisers and can sail amid choppy conditions. Interislander executive general manager Duncan Roy confirmed KiwiRail discovered one of the 'Kaitaki'’s stabilisers was missing during the ferry’s last dry dock in Sydney in Sep 2022. Manufacture and fitting of a new stabiliser could not be achieved during that dry dock and the work was programmed into the vessel’s long-term maintenance plan. Stabilisers, however, did not relate to vessel safety. They were about comfort and helped reduce the vessel’s movement for passengers and livestock. The issue had not materially affected the ship’s performance.