Auckland’s push for greener transport advances as McMullen and Wing launch sea trials of a new all-electric ferry for Auckland Transport. Built with lightweight carbon-fibre and powered by fast-charging batteries, the vessel promises sustainable, high-speed service for up to 230 passengers on the Auckland–Half Moon Bay route.
August marks a pivotal moment for New Zealand’s KiwiRail as it concludes its iReX ferry program and retires its oldest vessel. This modernization initiative aims to enhance interisland transport, crucial for moving US$8.5 billion in freight annually. KiwiRail plans to collaborate on new rail-enabled ferries by 2029.
On August 11, 2025, New Zealand High Commissioner David Gregory Pine, accompanied by Policy Adviser Rasika Sumudhu Jayasinghe, visited Hambantota International Port (HIP). The tour highlighted HIP’s advanced facilities and its emerging role in international logistics, fostering discussions on trade collaboration between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the region.
The New Zealand government is investing approximately US$17.5 million in the Maritime Digital Transformation initiative to enhance navigation. This collaboration between Land Information New Zealand and Maritime NZ will improve mariners’ access to crucial data, ensuring better safety, fuel efficiency, and optimized routing in New Zealand’s waters over the next four years.
The Maritime Union is urging the government to keep the Aratere ferry in service despite its recent breakdown. Union Secretary Carl Findlay emphasized the crew’s professionalism and warned that the potential retirement could lead to job losses and disrupt vital connections. He called for investment in fleet maintenance until new ferries arrive.
New Zealand maritime investigators are probing a serious incident aboard the bulk carrier M.V. Olivia, where an engine room explosion injured three crew members while docked at South Port, Bluff. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission is investigating the May 24 explosion, which occurred during boiler maintenance. Emergency services responded swiftly.
The Maritime Union Scholarship in New Zealand offers three scholarships annually, including a $5000 university scholarship and two $3000 scholarships for Polytechnic or Institute of Technology study. Application forms are available on respective websites with closing dates of 1 December for universities and 4 December for Polytechnics/Institutes. Financial support is provided for students.
Investing in new technology like Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) is crucial for monitoring New Zealand’s vast maritime environment. USVs offer a cost-effective and future-ready capability to operate at sea for extended periods, providing a clearer maritime picture and enhancing safety and security. Commodore Shane Arndell highlights the importance of this technology for protecting the country’s interests.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission in New Zealand released a report on the grounding of the passenger vessel Fiordland Navigator, attributing it to a fatigued master who fell asleep at the helm. The incident occurred on January 24, 2024, resulting in minor injuries and moderate damage. Recommendations were made to improve safety measures and oversight.
The interim report by TAIC on the grounding of the Aratere ferry in New Zealand revealed a lack of knowledge about the new steering system, leading to the incident. Despite attempts to regain control, the vessel ran aground, causing damage but no injuries. TAIC is investigating the root causes.
All 75 crew and passengers aboard the HMNZS Manawanui, conducting a reef survey off Samoa, were rescued after the ship sank. The vessel, costing $93 million, capsized and sank after listing heavily and emitting smoke. Rescuers faced strong currents and winds but managed to save everyone on board.
The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) is concerned about mandatory fitness tests at Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) after a fatal accident led to safety violations. MUNZ criticizes the tests as discriminatory and lacking worker input. LPC has been fined for safety breaches and is reviewing procedures, but MUNZ seeks fair negotiations for workers’ well-being.
The RoRo ferry Aratere encountered steering failure and ran aground while departing Picton, causing a setback for the InterIslander service. Despite no immediate danger, concerns arose due to its crucial role in transporting rail cars. KiwiRail’s troubled history with the vessel raises questions about fleet maintenance and the need for new ferries to replace the aging ones.
RightShip has announced a partnership with Napier Port to implement RightShip’s innovative RightPort risk solution at the New Zealand port. This agreement will make Napier the first port in New Zealand to adopt this pioneering technology, which aims to enhance maritime safety and sustainability.
New Zealand regulators have filed charges against the operator of a large inter-island ferry after a power failure. The charges came after an investigation and a critical report from the country’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission. The incident occurred in January 2023 as the ferry was approaching Wellington with 800 passengers and 80 crew aboard.
