Tranz Rail Cuts Back Fast Ferry Sailings
New Zealand rail and inter-island ferry operator Tranz Rail Holdings has cut back the number of fast ferry sailings from three a day to two for the upcoming summer season because of looming speed restrictions in the Marlborough Sounds. The speed restriction, due to be submitted for confirmation on Sept. 7, would mean the Lynx fast ferry would take 135 minutes to cross between Wellington and Picton, compared with 105 minutes previously. Residents in the Marlborough Sounds have complained that wakes from fast ferries in the area were a danger to people using the foreshore and small boats and were damaging the shoreline.
New Zealand Ports Operator Explores Further Networks
New Zealand ports operator Ports of Auckland said on Monday that it is looking at up to eight options to encourage shippers to send more export containers through its facilities, but had made no decision on whether to build an inland port in Hamilton. The company reportedly is considering building an inland container port beside the main trunk railway line in Hamilton. Ports of Auckland announced last month that it would operate its own rail network service between Palmerston North and Auckland, in conjunction with national rail operator Tranz Rail, from the second quarter of this year. A Ports of Auckland spokeswoman said that the company was examining opportunities that would see export containers gathered and sent to Auckland via domestic transport.
Ferry Service Canceled
New Zealand rail and ferry operator Tranz Rail is canceling the winter schedule of its Cook Strait fast ferry service, the Lynx, from mid July. The service, using the leased catamaran the Condor 10, usually runs only in summer but was retained for weekend services over the winter in the absence of alternative work. The owners reportedly found a lease for the vessel on the U.S. East coast.
