By Lloyd Burr
The Interislander ferry Aratere has arrived back into Wellington this morning after a serious extension and overhaul in Singapore.
The ship was cut in half and had a 30m section inserted in order to increase passenger, vehicle and train capacity.
Aratere also had its blunt bow removed and a new sharper one fitted as well as a duck's tail, which improves efficiency, added to the stern of the ship.
State-owned KiwiRail, which owns the Interislander ferry service, ordered the overhaul to boost capacity in time for the Rugby World Cup but was delayed due to additional ferry services put on after February’s earthquake.
Interislander general manager Thomas Davis says the ship will now be able to carry 300 more passengers, 27 percent more rail freight and 30 percent more commercial freight.
“The stretch does increase its capacity, and enhances its performance, particularly in rougher weather. Its old bow was quite blunt, and the new one is much finer and will cut through waves better.
And Mr Davis says the structural integrity of the Aratere will not be compromised by the extension.
He says the ship “has to meet all the same rules as any new ship for the strength of its hull. The structure is continuous, and there is additional structure both between and behind the funnels to provide that continuity of strength throughout the ship”.
The changes to the hull make it the longest ferry in operation on Cook Strait, just longer than the Kaitaki by around one metre.
The new features are expected to reduce the ship’s wake by 25 percent, making it compliant to the stringent wake rules in the Marlborough Sounds.
Mr Davis says he “expects an 11 percent fuel efficiency saving”.
Aratere will also receive new engine generators, propellers, new interiors and a special “Aratere Plus’ lounge.
Mr Davis says that in Wellington the new Aratere will overhang the wharf meaning a new automated, Christchurch-made mooring system, called Moormaster, will need to be installed on the wharf.
The wharf will also need to be reinforced to handle the longer ship.
Aratere has had a chequered past with numerous engine, rudder and electrical issues plaguing the vessel since its introduction into service in 1999.
The most infamous was a near-capsize during a rough crossing of the Strait when the ship listed 45 degrees causing widespread damage to rail carriages, vehicles and shaking up passengers.
The ship also crushed a fishing boat in spectacular fashion in Wellington Harbour in 2003 and nearly ran aground in Tory Channel in 2004 when she had a steering fault.
3 News