Lack of Familiarity with New Control System Led to Grounding

The New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has released its report into the grounding of the passenger and freight ferry, Aratere, in Titoki Bay, Picton, on June 21, 2024.

The KiwiRail’s Interislander ferry grounded after an unintended turn towards the shoreline while on autopilot.

Shortly after departure from Picton, the ship’s pilot engaged the autopilot and pressed the ‘execute’ button expecting the steering system to make a programmed three-degree right turn. However, the ship had already passed the programmed waypoint for that small turn, so the autopilot locked onto the next waypoint and made a much larger 34-degree right turn.

The bridge team responded quickly and decisively upon realising the vessel was deviating from the passage plan. They were unable to regain steering control because they were unfamiliar with procedures for the ship’s newly installed steering control system that differed from the old system. They sought to stop the ship using reverse thrust. While slowing, the vessel grounded.

Aratere’s watertight integrity was not compromised and in the following two days, Aratere was refloated with the assistance of harbor tugs. The grounding dented the bulbous bow and damage to the internal structure required repair before the ship’s return to