The high-speed vehicle-passenger ferry Alakai, built for Hawaii Superferry, has recommenced its daily service between Maui and following a period in drydock.
Annual dry docking of the vessel was brought forward by Hawaii Superferry due to inclement weather, allowing inspection of the vessel and minor repairs. Prior to dry docking, Austal had performed a temporary repair between the rudder tube and hull plating, as approved by the United States Coast Guard and classification society Germanischer Lloyd.
During the dry docking process, which was undertaken by a Hawaiian shipyard, the vessel sustained damage after the tug positioning Alakai lost power and collided heavily with the catamaran. Further damage was sustained after the local shipyard incorrectly blocked the vessel during drydocking.
At the request of Hawaii Superferry, service representatives from Austal ’s 1200-strong workforce were called onsite to perform the repairs, which were completed within four weeks. With the vessel now fully operational again, Hawaii Superferry has announced the introduction of a second voyage four days per week between Maui and , commencing May 9.
Meanwhile, impressive footage of the 107 metre catamaran ferry operating at speed in estimated Sea State 6 conditions off the coastline has appeared on YouTube. Crew onboard at the time reported that the vessel performed very well in the extreme operating conditions.