Drifts nearly onto the rocks, hits the harbour wall and now runs aground – New Zealand’s real ferry crisis

By our International Ferry Correspondent In January 2023: Stricken Cook Strait ferry the Kaitaki drifted more than a nautical mile towards the rugged Wellington south coast in winds gusting over 100kph, it’s been revealed. The harbour ships that raced to her aid also likely lacked the grunt to pull her and 800 passengers to safety. Wellington Harbourmaster Grant Nalder on Sunday praised the professionalism of the crew and captain, who battled challenging conditions to drop two anchors and halt the powerless ship’s drift 0.9 nautical miles from shore and 0.6 nautical miles (1.1km) from hitting the sea floor. In November … Continue reading Drifts nearly onto the rocks, hits the harbour wall and now runs aground – New Zealand’s real ferry crisis

Islanders have photos of empty shelves caused by ferry fiasco but only on the Channel Islands

From BBC Jersey, today: Shop shelves in Jersey have been empty of fresh produce since Monday due to cancelled freight ferries. Condor Ferries’ conventional sailings were cancelled on Monday and Tuesday “due to operational reasons”, the company said. The boats carry freight and fresh food, as well as passengers, to the Channel Islands. Condor Ferries has been contacted for comment. That’s all. Nobody blames the Channel Islands or UK governments for a failure to invest in new ferries. No islander says – ‘Right! That’s it! I’m off.‘ They have the proof of empty shelves, above. I seem to remember similar … Continue reading Islanders have photos of empty shelves caused by ferry fiasco but only on the Channel Islands

Disbelief spreading as Government is reportedly considering a Wellington mega tunnel after axing Cook Strait mega ferry project 

New Zealand media is alive with From News Fahara today: Disbelief is spreading as the Government is reportedly considering a Wellington mega tunnel after axing the Cook Strait mega ferry project. The proposed tunnel, which would run underneath the capital city, has raised eyebrows due to its potential multi-billion dollar price tag. The decision comes on the heels of the Government’s refusal to fund the ferry project, which had seen significant cost overruns. https://news.faharas.net/en/disbelief-government-considering-wellington-mega/ And from the NZ Herald, also today: There’s disbelief the Government is considering a mega tunnel underneath Wellington, that will cost several billion dollars, after axing the … Continue reading Disbelief spreading as Government is reportedly considering a Wellington mega tunnel after axing Cook Strait mega ferry project