Is Gulf ferry service fit for purpose?

Cancellation of the 7.30am commuter ferry from Gulf Harbour to the city on several occasions last month, with little notice and no replacement, was the last straw for passengers. 

A number took to social media saying they were unimpressed, as they were left scrambling to get to work on time. ‘Vessel breakdown’ was the reason given by ferry operator Fullers360 and commuters say the service has become so unreliable that it is forcing them back into cars and buses.

The Gulf Harbour Ferry Facebook group, with nearly 600 members, keeps a spreadsheet detailing ferry cancellations. 

It shows that so far this year (January-July) most cancellations have been unavoidable, due to weather – this made up 69 percent of cancellations and in most cases, a replacement bus was provided. Overall, 10 percent of cancellations were due to mechanical breakdowns, only two percent of those with no replacement service provided. “Operational reasons”made up eight percent – these include maintenance, crew illness and fuel delays.

However, last month saw a spike in cancellations – at least 10 percent of all July sailings, according to the group’s figures. This included sailings on successive days – July 19 and 20, as well as on July 28, all due to mechanical breakdowns.

Tessa McGuire helped set up the ferry users Facebook page. She says she commuted by ferry for six years but now catches the bus.

“You just can’t rely on the ferry,” McGuire says. “People ask why we’re not lobbying for a weekend service, but we have to get a suitable commuter service first. That shouldn’t be a big ask, but at the moment, it is.”

Fullers360 chief operations officer, Paul Trotman is apologetic.

He says three vessels service the Gulf Harbour route, although they can be deployed elsewhere if needed. He says they are not the oldest boats in the fleet.

“They are proactively maintained, which aims to pre-empt when ageing vessels are likely to face operational limitations and mitigate disruptions,” Trotman says. “This has been in place since April. The reality is that repairs can sometimes be needed despite regular, diligent servicing.” 

He understands that service disruptions impact customers who rely on it, and says lines of communication with the users group remain valued and open.