When winter arrives, things might seem a little quieter on the water, but behind the scenes it's one of the busiest times of the year for our engineering team.

Each winter, several of our vessels head north to Whangārei for what's known as slipping, an essential part of keeping our fleet safe, reliable and ready for another busy year of connecting people and places across the Hauraki Gulf.

So, what exactly is slipping?

It's when a vessel is hauled completely out of the water and into the shipyard for an extensive maintenance programme. With the hull exposed, our engineers can inspect every part of the vessel from bow to stern, carrying out work that simply can't be done while she's afloat.

For 2 to 3 months, our engineering team temporarily relocates to Whangārei to oversee the work. It's a huge undertaking, involving detailed inspections, servicing and replacing components, completing scheduled maintenance, and tackling a long list of jobs that keep each vessel performing at its best. A fresh coat of paint is often part of the process too, leaving the vessel looking as good as she performs.

We also work alongside a range of trusted specialist contractors, each bringing their expertise to ensure every aspect of the vessel meets the highest standards before returning to service.

Once all the work is complete, it's time for the vessel to be "splashed", or placed back into the water. But the job isn't over just yet. Before heading home, each vessel undergoes comprehensive sea trials, where our team puts her through her paces to ensure every system is operating exactly as it should.

This Winter's Fleet

This winter, Island Navigator, Sea Quest and Seabridge are all taking their turn in the shipyard. Island Navigator has already returned to service after completing her maintenance programme. Sea Quest is currently undergoing a more extensive six-week slip before Seabridge heads north for her scheduled maintenance.

Why It Matters

While customers may notice temporary timetable changes during this period, slipping is one of the most important investments we make each year. It plays a vital role in maintaining the safety of our passengers and crew, extending the life of our vessels, and ensuring we continue to provide the reliable ferry services our communities depend on.

So next time you step onboard one of our vessels, you can be confident that a huge amount of care, expertise and hard work has gone into keeping her in top condition.