Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand
The union representing Kiwi seafarers says the technical failure of the Interislander ferry Kaiarahi in the Cook Strait on Friday night is a “red flag” that the Government cannot ignore, proving the need to keep an emergency ocean-going tug on standby.
The Kaiarahi was forced to abandon its voyage and turn back to Wellington on Friday 12 December after experiencing steering issues in the Strait.
Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the incident demonstrates exactly why the Union is demanding the retention of the emergency response vessel MMA Vision.
“We are currently relying on two aging ferries to bridge the gap until 2029. The Kaiarahi turning back due to technical failure is the latest warning sign, yet Transport Minister Chris Bishop is moving to axe the MMA Vision contract months ahead of schedule.
“It is disturbing the Government is planning to remove our maritime safety net at the precise moment our critical infrastructure is showing its vulnerability. Minister Bishop’s decision to terminate the MMA Vision contract early is gambling with people’s lives and our maritime environment.”
Mr Findlay says the MMA Vision has already proven its value to New Zealand’s maritime safety.
“In September this year, the MMA Vision successfully towed the chemical tanker Golden Mind to safety after it lost steering off Rakiura/Stewart Island. It was also essential in pulling the Manahau barge off a Westport beach in 2024. If the MMA Vision had not been available, perhaps the Government can explain what the alternative plan was for those vessels.”
The Union notes that the current fragility of the Cook Strait connection is a direct result of the cancellation of the iReX project.
“Finance Minister Nicola Willis’s decision to cancel the iReX deal in late 2023 has put the arrival of replacement ferries years behind schedule,” Mr Findlay says.
“We have already seen the Kaitaki lose power with nearly 900 people on board and the Strait Shipping ferry Connemara drift in the Strait due to fuel issues.
“The Government created this delay in fleet replacement. They have a responsibility to put adequate safety measures in place to protect the public and the supply chain while we wait for the new ferries. Removing the only vessel capable of an open-ocean rescue in these conditions is irresponsible and negligent.”
