Superferry Returns To Honolulu Harbor

HONOLULU -- After more than a month under repair the Hawaii Superferry returned to its berth on Thursday.

The troubled vessel now faces a Coast Guard inspection.

"From the ship handling standpoint, this was kind of an abnormal day and an abnormal job," harbor pilot Capt. Edward Enos said.

Two tub boats pulled the 350-foot ferry cautiously out of the dry dock after six weeks of repair. A huge team worked to move the vessel without damage. It took hours longer than expected.

"Everybody was trying to do their best and go slow and safe and so things take time and that's what happened," Enos said.

Superferry officials are taking a slow approach with customers as well. Despite leaving dry dock, the next voyage to Maui is not scheduled until April 23.

On Monday it will go to sea for its annual Coast Guard inspection.

Going along on Monday's trial will be an international expert in the Superferry's type of vessel.

"It's a very popular vessel and a very important company, so everybody was working their hardest," Enos said.

Enos coordinated the move. The Superferry Alaka`i had its fuel removed for dry dock. So it had no power of its own. When the ferry is empty of fuel and cargo, the vessel rides high in the water, making it more vulnerable to gusty trade winds.

"We are communicating with each tug and the dry dock master as well with the radio. We've got people in the water -- divers," Enos said.

At the dock, the winds come in handy, pushing the Alaka`i softly to the dock.

The Superferry's next challenge is to prove its reliability. Customers need to be sure that if they take their car to a neighbor island and they will be able to get it back after some were stranded over time.