Night works for Ōkiato ferry ramp upgrade

An urgent upgrade to the Ōkiato car ferry ramp will get underway on Monday 28 August, with Far North Holdings Limited (FNHL) investing $400,000 to replace the existing ramp and solidify the foundations. The project will require specialist commercial divers to work underwater each night between 10.30pm and 5am and will take approximately four weeks to complete.

Far North Holdings Limited (FNHL) Maritime General Manager, Chris Galbraith says the urgent infrastructure repair work to the ramp is taking place at night to ensure minimum disruption to the local community.

“These works are urgent but will not impact the day-to-day operations of the ferry. There will be some localised noise, given the complexities of the work, but this will be minimised whenever possible.”

Tens of thousands of vehicles use the ferry each month, with two ferries operating a continuous service between 6am and 10 pm, 365 days a year. Signage at both ferry terminals will alert customers to the night works.

Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board member Jane Hindle says the ferry ramp is a vital lifeline to Kororāreka Russell residents and she is reassuring the community that contingency plans are in place for emergency services.

"Emergency services have been fully briefed and have a plan for additional night shift coverage to ensure their continued support of the community.”

A five-man dive team will undertake the repairs, rebuilding various sections of the concrete ramp foundation using steel, concrete and geocloth. Underwater hydraulic drills and various hand tools will also be used. 

Repairs are expected to be completed by late September.