ABB Supplies Charging System for Auckland’s New Electric Ferries
ABB has secured a contract with Auckland Transport (AT) to deliver the maritime world’s first megawatt charging system (MCS) to recharge electric ferries using the same interface as trucks and airplanes. Lowering the barrier to entry, the standardized and highly adaptable system is expected to improve electric vessel competitiveness against fossil-fueled counterparts.As part of its Mission Electric initiative, AT has ordered two 200-seat all-electric ferries and two 300-passenger…
Auckland’s First High-speed Plug-in Electric Hybrid Ferry Announced
Aukland ferry operator Fullers360 announced a new electric hybrid fast ferry will join its fleet in 2023.The new electric vessel with hybrid capabilities will have capacity to transport approximately 300 passengers servicing the company’s Devonport route, with capacity to travel to other destinations as needed. Designed by Incat Crowther, the vessel is a modular metro-level with overflow to the upper deck optimized to be up to 100% electric on the Devonport route.Fullers360’s CEO…
NZ's “Sound framework” for Managing Coastal Navigation
A review of coastal navigation safety by Maritime NZ has found that there is a sound framework in place to manage the movement of ships around the New Zealand coast, with procedures in place to assess risk and adjust safety measures if required. Maritime NZ Director Keith Manch said the review, begun in April last year, was prompted by an anticipated increase in the number of ship visits to New Zealand, a trend toward larger ships, and technology changes in navigational aids. Consideration was also give to a Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) recommendation following the grounding of the Rena that Maritime NZ collect data on shipping movements around the New Zealand coast, and monitor and control the use of virtual aids to navigation around the New Zealand coast.
NZ Interislander Ferry to Dry-dock in Devonport
NewZealand's KiwiRail says that the Interislander ferry Arahura has left Wellington for her scheduled bi-annual dry-docking in Devonport, having last visited Auckland in July 2012. Docking is being undertaken at the Devonport Dockyard under the management of Babcock’s New Zealand. The principal work relates to the vessel’s regulatory compliance regime, which requires machinery and propulsion equipment to be inspected and if necessary, repaired. Work to be carried out while the vessel is in dry dock includes tail shaft removal, an overhaul of the propeller hub, and crack testing of all propeller blades and securing bolts. Arahura’s rail deck will undergo routine track maintenance which will be completed by the KiwiRail track maintenance team.
New Zealand’s Q-West to Build High-speed Ferry
As with most island nations, New Zealand is heavily dependent on ferries. By this time next year, there will be a new ferry added to the Auckland-based Fullers Group fleet. Currently being constructed at Q-West Boat Builders Ltd. on the Wanganui River, the Incat Crowther-designed catamaran will join a large number of aluminum vessels launched from this versatile yard. At 34 by 9.5 meters, with a molded depth of 3.05 meters, this will be among the larger vessels delivered from this yard.
Dockwise Offers Southbound Superyacht Discount Deliveries
DYT offers an attractive discount on southbound shipping for the 2013 as well as 2014 and 2015 editions of the popularNew Zealand Millenium Cup superyacht event. The discounted DYT voyage for 2013 will sail from Palma de Mallorca, Spain at the end of November and stop in Le Marin (Martinique), Port Everglades (Florida) and Golfito (Costa Rica) in December before arriving in Auckland in perfect time for the regatta’s February 14 start. The New Zealand Millennium Cup, hosted by the New Zealand Marine Export Group from February 14-17, 2013.
