An investigation into the Interislander ferry which lost power and drifted along the Cook Strait has sent an industry-wide warning to vessel operators.

The Kaitaki was unable to restart its engines when they failed in January, because one of the ship's safety-critical rubber expansion joints had ruptured.

That joint had been manufactured in 2005 and installed in 2018 - but the Transport Accident Investigation Commission says the joints should be no older than eight months when installed, and replaced every five years.

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Kiwirail's Chief Executive, Peter Reidy, spoke to Charlotte Cook.