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KiwiRail was fined $412,500 for propulsion loss

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.

Two stabiliser fins missing since more thant 18 months

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.

KiwiRail will face court after power loss

KiwiRail will face court after the 'Kaitaki' lost power and issued a mayday call while near Wellington’s south coast ion Jan 18, 2023. Maritime New Zealand today confirmed it has filed a single charge against KiwiRail under the Health and Safety at Work Act, after an investigation into procedures around safety and maintenance. The Kaitaki had more than 800 people on board for its 2.15 p.m. sailing to Wellington that day. Shortly before 5 p.m., the ship reported engine problems. Ten minutes later, it issued a mayday call after all four engines shut down amid a raging southerly. The engines automatically turned off to prevent them overheating. The mayday call sparked an immediate response from emergency services and the public as the ferry came dangerously close to rocks. Six other vessels swiftly made their way to the Kaitaki, including the Aratere, police patrol vessel the 'Lady Elizabeth IV', two tugs, a pilot boat and a fishing boat. Five rescue helicopters were also called and a cordon was erected at Owhiro Bay Pde near Red Rocks. One of the largest 4WD clubs in the country was called in to help and 30 vehicles made their way to the south coast with blankets, woollen hats and hot water. Around 7 p.m., all four engines were restarted and the ferry safely made its way into Wellington Harbour. The investigation took 12 months; it involved reviewing the operator’s organisational information relevant to processes and procedures connected to safety and maintenance management, undertaking interviews and examining the Kaitaki after the incident occurred. Material was then comprehensively reviewed before the decision was made to prosecute.