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Aratere remains in port

Thursday 3 November 2011, 5:20PM

By Maritime New Zealand

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WELLINGTON CITY

Aratere remained in port today as the Maritime New Zealand inspectors on board continued to monitor the vessel.

Sharyn Forsyth, Maritime New Zealand’s General Manager, Maritime Services, said KiwiRail was working hard to rectify the mechanical system faults that have disrupted services. "Once Maritime New Zealand has approved a plan to ensure the safety of crew and the public, Aratere will undertake further sea trials – either this evening or tomorrow."

Sea trials are an important part of the process of identifying and rectifying any faults, and are likely to take place in Wellington harbour.

"Members of the public may see Aratere out in the harbour, where her engines and mechanical systems will be tested in a variety of ways," said Ms Forsyth.

"As ever, safety is our focus – the vessel will not operate commercially until it is safe to do so."