Ferry back to higher speed in Sounds

The Interislander ferry Kaitaki has resumed travelling through the Marlborough Sounds at the speed which sparked a protest flotilla to travel alongside the vessel on Saturday.

The protesters oppose the Kaitaki's 18 knot speed through the sounds, saying it creates waves that damage the shoreline and swamps boats. They want Interislander owner Toll New Zealand to restrict the vessel's speed to 15 knots.

Today Toll spokeswoman Sue Foley said that while the Kaitaki had slowed to 15 knots during the protest, its speed through the sounds had returned to 18 knots yesterday.

Everything had gone smoothly during the protest on Saturday. Toll respected the protesters for giving the ferry a clear passage and had shown that respect by travelling at 15 knots, Ms Foley said.

The Kaitaki had been back at 18 knots yesterday without any incidents.

The issue of speed through the sounds -- "a major national transportation link" -- was before the Environment Court, she said.

So far one week of hearings had been held with two more dates set aside this year, one in October and one in November. It was expected the court's decision would then be reserved.

That hearing was about the whole shipping industry, not just Toll, Ms Foley said.

The court is hearing arguments about a proposed Marlborough District Council variation, which would mean large ships wanting to travel at more than 15 knots in the sounds would have to apply for resource consent.

Toll has said it believes it has existing use rights and has a temporary arrangement with the Picton harbourmaster to travel at 18 knots until the impact of that speed is evaluated.

- NZPA