Cook Strait ferry sailings resume from Picton after ‘substance’ leak

A substance leak that stopped wharf operations in Picton and delayed Cook Strait ferries today has been found to be non-toxic.

An exclusion zone was set up around the KiwiRail yard about 2am after liquid was detected coming from a dangerous goods container.

Ferry operations were put on hold on, with Fire and Emergency called in to investigate.

“After a thorough check and consultation with the customer whose container it was, we were able to determine that everything was safe,” said Interislander executive general manager Walter Rushbrook.

KiwiRail said the substance is being investigated and it is not toxic.

Operations resumed at 7.30am, but the wharf closure has disrupted both the Interislander and Bluebridge services.

A Bluebridge spokeswoman said there will be “significant delays” to its sailings due to the port incident.

The Interislander’s Kaiarahi was due to depart from Picton early this morning but is now due to depart mid-morning.

Today’s disruptions follow delays yesterday due to heavy swells in Cook Strait, with both operators also hit by delays due to breakdowns earlier in the year.

“Capacity is really tight at the moment, but we are working with our customers to get them to their destinations as soon as possible,” said Rushbrook.