Office Address
123/A, Miranda City Likaoli Prikano, Dope
Phone Number
+0989 7876 9865 9
+(090) 8765 86543 85
Email Address
info@example.com
example.mail@hum.com
123/A, Miranda City Likaoli Prikano, Dope
+0989 7876 9865 9
+(090) 8765 86543 85
info@example.com
example.mail@hum.com
New
Zealand regulators have taken the unusual step of filing charges against the
operator of a large inter-island ferry after the vessel suffered a power
failure a year ago. The charges now in a New Zealand court came after an
extensive investigation by the regulator Maritime New Zealand as well as a
critical report from the country’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission
(TAIC) which called on Maritime New Zealand to address critical safety issues.
The
incident began late on the afternoon of January 28, 2023, with 800 passengers
and 80 crew aboard the ferry as it was approaching Wellington, New Zealand.
KiwiRail promotes that it is “the original Cook Strait ferry,” with multiple
sailings each day between the North Island and South Island (Wellington and
Picton) carrying passengers, cars, trucks, and rail cars. The trip normally
takes about 3.5 hours, but during the crossing, the vessel can be exposed to
strong weather conditions. The 2023 trip was no exception with winds of 30 to
40 knots.
TAIC in
its preliminary report found that a rubber expansion joint had ruptured and
most of the cooling water drained out before the crew could stop the leak. A
review of the ship’s propulsion systems showed there were 12 rubber expansion
joints. The one that failed they found had been manufactured in 2005 and sat on
a shelf till it was installed in 2018. Two others in use aboard the ship were
found to be 13 years old and had also been in use since 2018.
TAIC said the company had failed to
track the parts and follow recommendations. They said closer attention was
required because it is common for manufactured rubber components to become more
susceptible to cracking, delamination, or to become softer or “gummy” as they
age.
The company faces a fine of up to
approximately US$900,000 if found guilty. News of the charges however has also
restarted a debate over the need to replace the ferries. Union leaders and
politicians are saying the ferry is too old and like an old car, in time they
just do not run anymore
