Hawaii Superferry to Be Drydocked from February 13 to March 3
The troubled Hawaii Superferry announced today that Alakai’s annual drydock will be moved up to February 13 and last for two weeks. The vessel is expected to return to service March 3. Superferry officials stated that this was being done to take advantage of the off peak travel season.
During drydock permanent repairs will be made to to the vessel’s auxiliary rudders along with maintenance and recertification by the Coast Guard.
Auxiliary rudders dampen out the vessels pitch and roll motions to make the ride more comfortable. Heavy winter seas apparently caused cracking to develop in them, forcing the ferry out of service for temporary repairs.
The superferry has been troubled by low ridership and canceled voyages since it began service from Oahu to Maui. Plans for service from Oahu to Kauai have been placed on indefinite hold because of community protests. A second daily trip to Maui was announced and then delayed because of the concerns of Maui county officials.
Hawaii Superferry has countered by extending special rates of $39 per person and $55 per vehicle through June 5. An extensive advertising campaign has also been launched to improve ridership.
It seems to us that Hawaii Superferry’s ridership will only improve when it proves it can provide reliable service. Before putting my car on the ferry I’ll need to have a reasonable expectation of returning it on schedule. A tall order considering their past performance.
Of course truly reliable service can only be established when more than one ferry is in service. A second ferry is expected to be delivered in 2009. But for now it’s not surprising that most are taking advantage of low interisland airfares and renting a car.
We know this is a controversial topic. Why not leave a comment on your thoughts about the Superferry.
Hawaii Superferry’s full press release can be found here.
