KiwiRail sources have told New Zealand First that the Cook Strait ferry Aratere has blown an engine on its return voyage from Singapore and is approaching Australia at a reduced speed.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says the vessel is reportedly down to 10 knots and it needs to refuel in the near future.
“We call on the transport minister Gerry Brownlee to immediately explain what is happening with the ferry and to explain why this problem has followed a supposed repair job in Singapore.
“He should clarify the reports immediately.
“Brownlee has presided over this shambles for far too long,” says Peters.
Commenting on Peters’ statement to Television New Zealand, Interislander general manager Thomas Davis says one engine was out of action due to mechanical issues unrelated to the Singapore dry docking.
“This will be addressed once she is back in New Zealand. The engine has not ‘blown up’, rather it was the sort of fault that does occur from time to time in any vessel,” says Davis.
He says Aratere had significant engine redundancy and this had been installed as part of the extension work.
“She has six engines, and generally operates on a maximum of four, which she is doing at present, so a fault in one any engine has no impact on her speed or performance in any way,” says Davis.
Aratere is steaming towards Gladstone for refuelling.
”The Gladstone bunker is unavailable from 23 to 26 June for maintenance – this was always known. The late departure from Singapore because of more extensive trials and fault-fixing has meant the bunkering will take place on June 27.” he concludes.
