New Zealand’s East by West Ferries starts operational sailings of electric catamaran

Wellington, New Zealand-based East by West Ferries has begun public operational sailings of its newest fully electric commuter catamaran, the locally-built Ika Rere.

The company said the initial public sailings are part of the ferry’s commissioning process, which was concluded earlier this week. The vessel will resume sailings on March 21 following the completion of necessary remedial work.

Measuring 19 metres long and with capacity for 135 passengers, Ika Rere was built by Wellington Electric Boat Building Company (WEBBCo) for operation within the Greater Wellington area.