2 March 2011

Interislander staff and ships are doing their bit to make sure urgently-needed supplies make their way to Christchurch. Passenger numbers are also up as people leave Christchurch for the north.

Interislander general manager Thomas Davis said that, in the week since the devastating earthquake, the three Cook Strait ferries had carried 382 earthquake relief personnel, 179 vehicles, and 150 lane metres of rail freight destined for Christchurch.

That included:
• 14 Fire Engines;
• 18 Hirepool units dedicated to porta loos;
• 15 Generators;
• 44 Police Personnel;
• 52 Search & Rescue Staff;
• 25 New Zealand Defence personnel; and
• 89 Civil Defence staff.

As well, the ships have been carrying extra trucks and supplies that has come from commercial customers, including 31 trucks and trailers of bottled water, methanol, refrigerated units food for delivery directly to supermarkets,and additional supplies.

Passenger numbers on the ferries are also up, and Interislander is helping the Red Cross and WINZ to relocate families who have lost their homes in Christchurch.

Mr Davis said that expected volume from customers over this current week in terms of relief supplies expected to be up to 300 additional truck and trailers.

He said staff were coping exceptionally well with the logistical planning, co-ordinating and prioritising.

ENDS

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