Fullers meets demand with smaller ferries

The ferries are modelled on Te Kotuku, built by Q-West. Photo / NZME.

Fullers is investing in smaller ferries on its Waiheke Island service, capable of greater frequency.

The company is spending $16 million on two 34m passenger ferries for the Waiheke to Auckland route. The vessels, capable of carrying 360 passengers, are being built by Wanganui-based boatbuilders Q-West. The first is due to be launched in October next year.

Fullers, which is owned by international transport investor Sir Brian Souter and his family, is spending about $100 million over three years on its ferry and bus businesses.

Fullers chief executive Doug Hudson said the company had been planning the upgrade of its Waiheke ferries before a competitor started up on the route.

Hudson said the move was in response to the demand from the estimated 1000 daily commuters on the route as well as increased tourist patronage.

"Moving to standardised vessels on this route provides the consistency of travel time and service levels that commuters want, which ultimately leads to a better experience for every passenger," he said.

According to research done as part of the Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development's Auckland Visitor Plan 2021, visiting the harbour and gulf islands and sampling Auckland's food and wine are the two top priorities for international and domestic visitors to Auckland. Both are key appeals of Waiheke Island.

The WiFi-equipped ferries are modelled on Fullers' vessel Te Kotuku, which was also built by Q-West and has been in service since 2014, that features electronic engines and improved emission control technologies. The two new aluminium catamarans have been modified further with an extra 80 seats, an extra scenic viewing platform and increased designated cabin baggage. The ferries will mean the eventual retirement of the Jet Raider and the replacement of the 28-year old Quickcat vessel.