One of Auckland's passenger ferries, Wanderer, is shortly set to return to the Waitematā Harbour after undergoing a comprehensive refit in Whangārei .
The vessel will become the first AT-branded boat on the harbour after Auckland Transport (AT) purchased the ferries from Fullers360, marking an important milestone in the transition to public ownership of Tāmaki Makaurau’s commuter ferry fleet.
Supplied - Grady Connell.
The refurbishment of Wanderer is just one aspect of a broader effort to modernise and improve the city's ageing ferry fleet. The consequences of this ageing fleet have been experienced by passengers, who have had ferry services cancelled as a result of mechanical and staffing challenges.
AT purchased four vessels from Fullers360 last year, all of which will undergo extensive refurbishments to ensure that they can be operated efficiently and reliably for the remainder of their service lives. The refitted vessels will provide continuity of service while new electric and electric-hybrid vessels are being built.
During the refit, Wanderer was fitted with two new low-exhaust emission diesel engines that have a lower C02 emission profile.
Supplied - Auckland Transport.
The installation of these new engines, along with new gearboxes and control systems, has resulted in a measurable reduction in harmful nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter emissions an AT spokesperson told Today FM.
In addition to the new engines and systems, Wanderer has also undergone a complete interior overhaul. All seats were reupholstered, doors replaced, and new signage, floor coverings, and toilets installed. The deck, hull, and other customer-facing areas were also repainted.
Supplied - Auckland Transport.
The first two fully-electric vessels, being built in Tāmaki Makaurau by EV Maritime and McMullen & Wing, are set to be on the water in 2024, with the electric-hybrid vessel, being built in Wanganui by Q-West, set to hit the water by 2025.
Wanderer is currently undergoing testing and is expected to be back in service in April. The other three vessels purchased by Auckland Transport will also undergo similar refurbishments in the coming months.
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