Interislander’s flagship ferry to receive a facelift

Media release

Interislander’s flagship ferry to receive a facelift

Interislander will be giving its flagship passenger ferry – the Kaitaki – a bit of a spruce up this winter. Following the recent decision to renew the lease for another four years until 2017, a refurbishment of the passenger areas on the ship will be completed when the ship goes into dry dock in August this year.

“Kaitaki passenger spaces have had no refurbishment in the last eight years of the current charter, so the passenger spaces are definitely in need of a facelift,” says Interislander General Manager Thomas Davis.

Kaitaki, which means ‘Challenger’ in Maori, is just shy of 182 metres in length (the equivalent to almost two rugby fields), and can carry 1650 passengers and 550 cars.

“Kaitaki has been Interislander’s flagship since her arrival in 2005 and is the largest passenger ferry in New Zealand. She has served us very well over the last eight years," Mr Davis says.

The main scope of the work will include a revamp of the foodcourt area, the bar, the atrium and the toilets, as well as the passenger thoroughfare and shop on deck 8. Approximately $4.5 million has been budgeted for this work.

Irish Company MJM Marine Ltd, which has had significant experience in ferry and cruise ship refurbishment work, will be leading the project, in partnership with Swedish company Figura who specialise in ferry passenger design.

MJM Marine Limited has undertaken refurbishment work on cruise ships like Pacific Pearl, Saga Pearl and Celebrity Infinity, as well as Ro-Pax ferries like Stena Superfast.

“Over the last couple of years, Kaitaki has been the busiest she has ever been during the peak summer period. Interislander is really looking forward to being able to offer Kaitaki passengers a much fresher, more comfortable and modern travel experience following the completion of the refurbishment project in September," Mr Davis says.

ENDS

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