Aratere cleared for return to service
KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy says the priority for both his company and regulatory authorities has been ensuring
the ship is performing safely ahead of next week’s planned return to full passenger services.
“Under international maritime law, an extensive range of rules and regulations govern operational ships, meaning over
the last week Maritime New Zealand and classification society surveyors, DNV, have put Aratere through an intense audit
schedule to ensure she is safe to resume service.”
Mr Reidy said signoff had been achieved from DNV, and now MNZ were also satisfied Aratere would undertake a ‘proving’
(test) run across Cook Strait tomorrow (Thursday July 10th).
As well, before returning to service additional staff training will be completed.
“Our team has done a great job in preparing Aratere to return to service since she arrived back in Wellington last week.
“All going well, Aratere is scheduled to start carrying passengers across Cook Strait in the week of 14 July.”
ends