Ferry due back in Wellington next week
Updated at 10:09 pm today
KiwiRail’s problem-plagued Aratere ferry is almost home, now re-fuelling in Queensland after repairs in Singapore.
The Aratere.
Photo: RNZ
The Interislander ferry lost a propeller in November last year and has been in dry-dock in Singapore. One of its engines has already failed on the return journey.
The ferry is expected to leave Queensland for Wellington on Saturday morning, arriving on Wednesday.
Once back in the capital the vessel will undergo an estimated further week of commissioning, including Maritime New Zealand and other safety agency checks.
The temporary replacement ferry, Stena Alegra, is scheduled to leave Picton for Wellington on Saturday night on its last Cook Strait crossing.