Working Conditions Aboard the Aratere

The retired ferry 'Vega', previously known as the 'Aratere', has received the green light to set sail for India, where it is scheduled to be dismantled. This significant development comes six months after KiwiRail sold the vessel, which has been anchored in Tasman Bay since December 2025, while awaiting permission to enter Indian waters. The vessel's owner, Jahaj Solutions FZE, has recently taken steps to repatriate around 10 crew members, while others have chosen to stay on board during this waiting period. Maritime New Zealand conducted interviews with all crew members while the ship was docked at Port Nelson back in April, ensuring there were no issues regarding their contracts or wellbeing. It's important to note that the 'Vega' is registered under the flag of Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, which exempts the crew from New Zealand's labor laws. In a crucial step, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has confirmed that the 'Vega' was classified as hazardous waste, necessitating a special export permit to leave New Zealand. Fortunately, the EPA recently obtained the necessary documentation from Indian authorities, allowing the ship to be granted an export permit valid until May 2027. Jahaj Solutions FZE has announced plans for the 'Vega' to depart for India at the end of this month. According to the latest shipping information from CentrePort, the ferry is expected to arrive in Wellington on May 28, with its departure scheduled for May 31. For further details, you can check the full report with photos here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/596391/retired-interislander-ferry-cleared-to-make-final-sailing-to-india?fbclid=Iwb21leASDw2djbGNrBIPDXmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHqyXMV_V8WPAmjDD_Cg4jos6tuowOwQJCwrePSWRZBW1g5Yo4MMTBhqrmJ5y_aem_eG9cxIqa4j8pNwmnXRLm6g

KiwiRail has been hit with a substantial financial penalty of $375,000 after the ferry 'Aratere', recently renamed 'Vega', grounded in Picton Harbour. This maritime incident occurred on the evening of June 21, 2024, as the vessel, carrying 39 crew members and eight passengers, was making a freight trip between Picton and Wellington. The grounding took place at Titoki Bay shortly after the ferry departed Picton at 9:45 p.m. The incident was linked to modifications made to a vital steering system on the 'Aratere'. In June 2025, Maritime New Zealand (Maritime NZ) took legal action against KiwiRail, citing violations of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Following 26 years of service with the Interislander fleet, the ferry completed its last Cook Strait sailing in August 2025. Its retirement paved the way for redevelopment at Picton port, which is being prepared for the arrival of two new Cook Strait ferries expected in 2029. An investigation by Maritime NZ revealed significant shortcomings in KiwiRail's change management procedures and organizational controls, particularly regarding training, documentation, the management of critical steering functions, and bridge resource management. The findings indicated a pronounced lack of understanding of the newly integrated steering console, especially during emergency situations. After pleading guilty to charges under sections 48 and 36 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, KiwiRail was sentenced in the Wellington District Court on May 5, 2026. The judge ordered the company to pay a fine of $375,000, alongside an additional $25,000 in costs.

The retired ferry 'Vega', which was previously known as the Interislander ferry 'Aratere', has had its planned entry to Port Nelson for essential water and supplies cancelled. The vessel has been anchored in Tasman Bay, housing approximately 20 Indian crew members, for almost four months now. Recently, 'Vega' made a return to the shipping schedule with an anticipated arrival at Port Nelson next week, although this remains subject to change. Maritime New Zealand had slated an inspection of the 'Vega' prior to the cancellation of its booking. Since then, there have been no updates regarding plans for the vessel's docking at Nelson. Coordination of port movements and bookings is being handled by the ship's agent, Inchcape Shipping Services, in conjunction with the port. It's important to note that New Zealand's employment laws and wage regulations do not pertain to the 'Vega', as it is registered under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The Maritime Union of New Zealand expressed concerns regarding the crew's pay, indicating it may fall below the standards set by the International Labour Organization. Maritime NZ has been proactive, engaging with the 'Vega', its operating company, and the flag state to ensure compliance with international regulations. Both the ship's captain and the agent have provided reassurances about crew welfare, including compensation, consistent with what the crew indicated during a visit earlier in March. The 'Vega' was retired by KiwiRail in August 2025, and in October, it was announced that the ferry had been sold to Jahaj Solutions (F.Z.E.) for delivery to a shipbreaking yard in India. The vessel has had its Interislander branding painted over and has remained anchored in Tasman Bay since early December. Complications with the paperwork necessary for the ferry's exit to India have delayed its departure from New Zealand. As of February, the Environmental Protection Authority confirmed that the application for the ferry's export had been finalized.

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) has voiced serious concerns regarding the welfare and compensation of crew members aboard the former Interislander ferry, now identified as 'Vega'. This vessel has been stationary in Tasman Bay for over 50 days and is currently awaiting clearance to sail to India for dismantling. MUNZ points out that crew members have spent nearly two months on the ship while it remains at anchor. The union has formally requested that Maritime New Zealand conduct an independent welfare inspection to ensure that the crew is safe, fairly compensated, and given the option for repatriation if desired. Reports of crew wellbeing have raised alarms, as contracts reviewed by MUNZ reveal that 'Vega' is registered under Jahaj Solutions (F.Z.E), based in the UAE. An able seaman aboard is reportedly earning a basic salary of just US$206 per month, significantly below the upcoming International Labour Organization (ILO) minimum wage of US$690 per month, which will go into effect on January 1, 2026. Even when overtime and allowances are factored in, total pay for able seamen is reported at US$550—still beneath international standards. While the captain and agents state that the crew is in good health and receiving sufficient provisions, these claims remain unverified by independent sources. Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) has pledged to prioritize crew welfare and is actively monitoring the situation, although no specific actions are currently planned for 'Vega'. MNZ is undertaking general inquiries with both crew members and relevant authorities to assess their wellbeing. The vessel's departure has been delayed due to the regulatory approvals required for international export and import. Last October, KiwiRail confirmed the sale of 'Aratere' to a buyer responsible for navigating the ship to a specialized recycling facility in India. Once the vessel's ownership was transferred, the onus of crewing the ship and overseeing its journey fell to the buyer, subject to scrutiny by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The EPA has confirmed receipt of the necessary export application from New Zealand and is awaiting additional documentation from the Indian Competent Authority. The completion of the export process hinges on obtaining import consent from Indian authorities, and while the EPA continues to monitor the situation, a timeline for the vessel's departure remains uncertain.

The decommissioned Kiwirail ferry, previously known as 'Aratere', has officially been renamed 'Vega' as it awaits its final voyage to the scrapyard in India. Currently, the vessel is anchored at position 41° 10' N 173° 17' E, off the coast of Nelson, as of December 11. This change marks a new chapter for the ship that has served its purpose in maritime transport.

In a noteworthy development in the maritime industry, a vessel has officially been sold to breakers on October 10, 2025. This transaction marks a significant milestone as the ship now transitions from active service to the recycling phase. The sale to breakers underscores ongoing changes within the shipping and maritime sectors, highlighting the evolving landscape of vessel management and end-of-life strategies for older ships.

KiwiRail has finalized a deal to sell the ferry 'Aratere' to a buyer who will take the vessel to a dedicated ship recycling yard in India. The decision comes after the 'Aratere' was officially retired in August 2023 to facilitate crucial port infrastructure upgrades in anticipation of two new rail-enabled ferries set for delivery in 2029. Due to its advancing age, the 'Aratere' was considered unsuitable for most ferry operators and was in need of extensive modifications or specialized port facilities. Therefore, KiwiRail is pursuing an environmentally responsible recycling solution. Interislander has collaborated closely with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) throughout the decommissioning process to ensure all environmental standards are met. In an announcement made in April, Rail Minister Winston Peters noted the ferry's limited operational potential, as it was the only vessel allowing rail freight to roll on and off from it. This unique capability hindered its use at an alternative Picton wharf while port upgrades in both Picton and Wellington are conducted for the incoming ferries. Keeping the 'Aratere' in service was projected to cost around $120 million. Upon the transfer of ownership, the buyer will manage the vessel's journey to the recycling facility, subject to pending EPA review. In the meantime, KiwiRail has taken proactive steps by repurposing appliances, furniture, and other items from the 'Aratere' across its fleet and operations, with some materials even being donated. Since its retirement, the ferry has remained berthed in Wellington since August 18, 2023.

The iconic ferry 'Aratere' is set to embark on its final journey from Picton on August 18 at 11 a.m., marking the conclusion of 26 remarkable years of service. In preparation for the new rail-enabled ferries scheduled to arrive in 2029, significant infrastructure developments will soon commence in the Picton area. Upon returning from its maintenance dry-dock in Singapore, the 'Kaiārahi' will step in to take over from the 'Aratere'. Thankfully, freight customers and passengers can breathe a sigh of relief, as no changes to bookings will be necessary, thanks to the new two-ship timetable already implemented. With this shift from a three-ship operation, currently consisting of the 'Kaitaki', 'Aratere', and 'Kaiārahi', to a streamlined two-ship system, the changes will undoubtedly have a significant impact on local staff, passengers, and freight logistics. Notably, the capacity of the two new ferries will exceed that of the existing fleet, marking a pivotal advancement towards a more efficient and sustainable maritime future. The crew of the 'Aratere' plans to bid farewell to the beloved vessel at a private event scheduled for early September.

Maritime NZ has taken significant legal steps against KiwiRail by filing two charges linked to the grounding of the Interislander ferry 'Aratere' on June 21, 2024. The incident unfolded north of Picton, involving 47 individuals on board at the time. These charges stem from failures attributed to KiwiRail in ensuring the safety and well-being of both crew and passengers during the ferry's operations. Filed under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, the legal actions come after a thorough investigation was undertaken. This inquiry delved into the company's systems, policies, procedures, and safety culture, revealing critical insights through numerous interviews and a large compilation of evidence gathered throughout the process. Maritime NZ is committed to upholding safety standards across the maritime sector, making this case a focal point in their ongoing efforts.

On the night of June 11, 2023, the ferry 'Aratere' encountered propulsion difficulties during its journey from Picton to Wellington. Departing at approximately 8:50 p.m., the vessel experienced a malfunction in its propulsion drive, leading to an extended wait while anchored for specialist assistance. A total of seven commercial vehicle drivers and four foot passengers were on board during the incident. The technical issue was resolved around 1 a.m., allowing the 'Aratere' to continue towards Wellington, with a new estimated time of arrival set for 5 a.m. on June 12. As a result of the delay, KiwiRail canceled several subsequent sailings, including the 6:15 a.m. departure from Wellington to Picton, the 11:00 a.m. trip from Picton to Wellington, and the 4:00 p.m. sailing later that day, as teams continued to investigate the cause of the disruption. Interislander's customer service representatives promptly worked to amend bookings for affected travelers, offering alternative sailing options or the opportunity to reschedule without incurring additional fees.

KiwiRail has officially announced that the 'Aratere' ferry will conclude its service by August 30, 2023. This decision follows the announcement made in late April regarding the vessel's retirement from the Cook Strait route. The retirement is part of preparations for the essential redevelopment of Picton port, which is set to accommodate two state-of-the-art Cook Strait ferries expected to arrive by 2029. Construction work on the Picton wharf may commence as early as October 2023 and will not extend beyond March 2026. The 'Aratere', which has been an integral part of the Cook Strait experience since 1999, required specialized loading and unloading facilities, making it incompatible with the alternative Interislander wharf in Picton. To ensure a smooth transition, KiwiRail has engaged with customers to establish a new timetable featuring two ships and a coordinated rail schedule. Additionally, plans are in place for road bridging systems to support the transition to the new rail-enabled vessels. As of now, over 2,200 passenger reservations have been successfully shifted from the 'Aratere' to its counterparts, the 'Kaitaki' and 'Kaiārahi'. Customers whose new bookings do not fit their schedules are offered the flexibility to change without incurring fees or to receive full refunds. Furthermore, over 2,500 passengers affected by new departure times due to the updated two-ship timetable have been notified about their revised travel plans. Freight customers can expect to be contacted starting May 20 to confirm their freight logistics.