Smooth sailing at last for new ferry

It was finally smooth sailing today for the new Interislander ferry Kaitaki, which has been plagued by berthing problems since its maiden voyage two days ago.

The Kaitaki's scheduled 8.45am sailing from Wellington yesterday turned into three hours of frustration for passengers.

Problems continued last night after the sailing from Picton, scheduled to arrive at 4pm, docked more than four hours late.

The ship began entering the dock at 7.40pm, but passengers were forced to wait a further 40 minutes before they could get off. There are no gangplank facilities at the temporary terminal and foot passengers have to exit via the car deck.

The ferry was more than two hours late arriving in Wellington on the return sailing.

However, Toll Shipping spokeswoman Sue Foley said the holdups were "teething issues" and a temporary ramp is in place at the old Lynx terminal in Wellington.

Ms Foley said the Wellington wharf operator CentrePort has said it will complete modifications on a more permanent gang plank by the end of the week.

"Meanwhile, we've got interim measures in place and everything is just fine."

A permanent berth is being built at the Interisland terminal at Kaiwharawhara and will be completed in November.

- NZPA