Ferry drydocking hits Toll NZ rail service levels

<p>Even in drydock for a much-needed major overhaul, the troubled Toll New Zealand ferry <em>Aratere</em> has been a problem, causing rail freight delays across both islands.</p> <p>The drydocking &#8211 the overhaul of her engines, and electronics and cooling systems plus a repaint &#8211 took longer than expected and she could not resume her interisland services until Monday (October 31).</p> <p>Mainfreight’s managing director, Don Braid, said the ferry had been taken out of service near the peak of the freight season, causing delays.</p> <p>His company had experienced delays of five to seven days on freight on rail at locations around the country, he was quoted as saying on the New Zealand Stuff website.</p> <p>"Freight is moving out of Tauranga to Christchurch and sitting in Hamilton for three days," he said. </p> <p>Mr Braid also blamed the delays on a shortage of rolling stock and locomotives.</p> <p>He criticised the Australian rail and ferry operator, saying "I’m not sure they are top of their game right now".</p> <p>Toll NZ spokeswoman Sue Foley told <em>Stuff</em> the company was disappointed with service levels in the past three weeks. Problems had also included derailments.</p> <p>But in the September quarter, a record 91% of freight services departed on time and 200 wagons were being returned to service, she said. </p> <p>There was a big demand for rail services from a freight overflow from road services. </p> <br />