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KiwiRail has confirmed that its ferry Aratere will retire no later than August 30, after a quarter of a century’s service on Cook Strait, Interislander executive general manager Duncan Roy says.
KiwiRail announced three weeks ago that Aratere would be retired this year.
This followed advice that demolition of Aratere’s wharf in Picton could begin as soon as October this year, and no later than March next year, to build the infrastructure for the new ferries being procured by Ferry Holdings Ltd, which are due to arrive in 2029.
Kaiārahi will go to dry dock in Singapore, leaving in late June and when it arrives back in mid to late August, Aratere will retire from service.
“Interislander’s transition from a three to two-ship fleet has a number of implications for the company and for our customers.
“The first impact is on our dedicated team and a formal consultation will begin with them.
“There are also impacts on our valued freight and commercial customers, and for the public.
“In the last few weeks, we have talked to our customers and others and confirmed a new two-ship timetable and the co-ordinating rail timetable. We have also been developing our plan for successful “road bridging” during the transition period to the new rail-enabled ships and this work, including new equipment purchase and additional staffing, is on-track.
“More than 2200 passenger bookings have now been transferred from Aratere to Kaitaki and Kaiārahi. If the replacement bookings do not suit customers, they can change the sailing without incurring any change fee or receive a full refund. Holders of more than 2500 passenger bookings affected by a change in departure time with the move to the new two-ship timetable have also been notified of their new departure time.
“Our website and call centre have now re-opened for all bookings for the period from September 9 onwards. Anyone who needs to speak to our customer representatives and does not have time to wait can choose the callback option and will not lose their place in the queue.
“Freight customers will be contacted again to lock in their freight requirements. During the transition period to the new ferries passengers may have to travel at less popular times or be more flexible about the dates they travel. We recommend booking early for travel during the summer peak season.
“Interislander ferries are New Zealanders’ ferries. Aratere has been a workhorse of Cook Strait since arriving in 1999.
“While we will be sorry to see her go, it is a necessary step towards the arrival of new, bigger, more fuel-efficient rail-enabled ferries in 2029 which together will have more passenger capacity than the current three ships.”
