KIWIRAIL has been sentenced in Wellington District Court over the 2023 incident in which its ferry Kaitaki lost power with more than 800 people on board.

The New Zealand state-owned rail and ferry operator was fined NZ$412,500 for its breach under the Health and Safety at Work Act, and ordered to pay NZ$20,000 in costs.

In January this year, safety authority Maritime New Zealand filed one charge against KiwiRail in relation to the incident following an investigation. It is understood that KiwiRail plead guilty during the case.

The incident occurred on 28 January, 2023, when roll on/ roll off ferry Kaitaki, owned and operated by KiwiRail, lost propulsion during its approach into Wellington Harbour, in transit from Picton on the country’s south island.

The vessel then issued a mayday, with lifejackets supplied to those onboard, before the ferry re-gained limited power and was able to make port in Wellington, its passengers safely disembarking ashore.

It is understood Kaitaki was without power for at least two hours while onboard engineers underwent repair work.

At the time of the incident, the entrance of Wellington harbour was experiencing strong southerly winds, with gusts of up to 45 knots and swells of three metres.

Maritime New Zealand stated that if the vessel’s anchors didn’t hold, the vessel could have grounded at Sinclair Head, outside the entrance of the harbour.

The incident was found to be caused by a failure of a rubber expansion joint, which resulted in Kaitaki’s main engine shutting down, leaving the ferry adrift.

Maritime NZ director Kirstie Hewlett said this was a “very dangerous” incident, and it is good to see KiwiRail take accountability by pleading guilty.

“There were significant failings that caused the ferry to lose power,” Ms Hewlett said.

“Poorly managed maintenance and processes on the Kaitaki meant its passengers, crew and the environment were put at risk.

“We have been clear to KiwiRail about our expectations around the management of its fleet, and KiwiRail has undertaken significant work since.”

The vessel is currently in Singapore undergoing drydocking, having left New Zealand in August. It is expected to be away for more than two months total.

Ms Hewlett said the incident is an alarming example of what can go wrong when maintenance is poorly managed.

“All operators need to ensure their vessels are well maintained, regularly serviced and properly managed.”