Aratere arrives in Wellington

23 September 2011

Aratere arrives in Wellington

Interislander’s Cook Strait ferry Aratere returned home to Wellington today, after a five month extension and refurbishment in Singapore.

Interislander general manager Thomas Davis said Interislander staff were delighted to see their ship back home, welcomed with a glorious spring day and a water spray from Centreport tug Tiaki.

He congratulated master Bob Nixon and crew on bringing the ship home safely and speedily.

“There have been a lot of people who have worked very hard on this project for a long time, and who had spent a lot of time away from home working in difficult conditions for a sustained period of time. I want to formally put on record my thanks and the thanks of all at Interislander for that effort.

“It has been worth it to watch Aratere arrive this morning, in glorious sunshine, showing off the new length and bow.”

Aratere berthed at Aotea Quay upon arrival to perform Customs and MAF clearances.

The ferry ‘s extension and refurbishment at the Sembawang Shipyard in Singapore involved a new 30-metre mid-body being installed in the ship, as well as a new stern profile, a new bow, new generators, and a total internal refurbishment.

The extension increases Aratere’s capacity by about 30 per cent for rail freight, trucks, and cars, and 100 per cent for passengers.

New facilities for the public will be available onboard, including a new Aratere-Plus lounge, new food and beverage outlets, and new facilities for commercial drivers.

Thomas Davis said the extension of the Aratere was an effective way to create more urgently-needed capacity. “This is a major project for KiwiRail’s Turn Around Plan, increasing capacity for rail between Auckland and Christchurch.”

Aratere is due back in service late next week.

ENDS

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