The Failure of Fast Ferry Catamaran Operations in New Zealand and Hawaii

Abstract

Fast ferry catamarans have been in use for several decades. They possess the advantage of overcoming one of the major deficiencies of water transportation: low speed. Although their operation has spread throughout different parts of the world, an overall analysis of the implementation and failures of this technology remains underdeveloped in the transport literature. This paper presents and compares two unsuccessful experiences of the use of fast ferry catamarans in New Zealand and Hawaii. Although both attempts possess major differences in terms of their contexts, particularly regarding competition, regulatory and environmental issues, some of the common lessons learned from both experiences can significantly contribute to a better understanding of this water transport technology and the challenges involved in its operation.

Third-Country Tourists on the Ferries Linking Germany with Lithuania

“…Considering the competitiveness of water transport with regard to other transport means, Lohmann and Trischler (2012) noted that speed is a major factor in transport choices in the modern world. Both, Kiel and Klai-peda are well positioned as intermodal gateways combining the shortest route from Western Europe to the Baltic States with a welldeveloped roadway network extending to the European metropolitan centres and the Baltic state capital cities.…”