Interislander’s long-serving rail-enabled ferry Aratere will be retired this year to make way for major port upgrades in Picton ahead of the arrival of two new ferries in 2029, KiwiRail has confirmed.
KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy says the move is part of preparations for the next generation of larger, rail-enabled ferries and the infrastructure required to support them.
“KiwiRail is committed to fully supporting the smooth and successful introduction of the two new ferries, and their required infrastructure, while maintaining safe and reliable freight and passenger services for our customers,” Reidy says.
Demolition of Aratere’s ageing wharf in Picton could begin later this year or in early 2025, KiwiRail says.
The vessel requires specific loading infrastructure and cannot use the other Interislander berth. Building a temporary berth was ruled out due to cost and the risk of delaying wider redevelopment.
“Therefore, Aratere will be retired this year, and we will work through the detail of that decision – firstly with our own people, especially our Interislander crews,” Reidy says.
“A ship is a special workplace and for some of our people, Aratere is a home away from home.”
The Aratere has been operating since 1999 and is currently Interislander’s only rail-enabled ferry. It carries up to 600 passengers and 28 rail wagons, making 24 Cook Strait crossings each week.
“Moving from three ships to two will mean the loss of some roles, but the exact number will depend on the outcome of a consultation process that we will run with our people across Interislander,” Reidy says.
KiwiRail will also work with customers on operational plans for the four-year transition, including maintaining a safe and reliable service with the remaining ships Kaitaki and Kaiārahi.
“Aratere is currently due to leave Wellington in late June to go to dry dock in Singapore but we are reviewing that plan as part of the bigger piece of planning now in front of us,” Reidy says.
“We will work quickly to give our people, passengers and freight customers certainty as soon as possible.”
Although Aratere is the only ship equipped to carry rail wagons, KiwiRail already transports rail freight using a road-bridging method via Kaitaki and Kaiārahi. Reidy says this will continue and be further developed to meet demand.
“Until the new ships arrive, we will continue to move rail freight using road-bridging, but we will invest to super-charge this operation to ensure that all rail freight will be serviced at the levels our rail freight customers need and expect,” he says.
“We are well advanced in planning for a two-ship road-bridged ferry service and we will be consulting with the freight market throughout May on operational arrangements to ensure that we have those plans right.”
KiwiRail remains focused on supporting staff, customers and the public during the transition, Reidy says.
“Ultimately, it is about delivering a new Interislander fleet which will be good for New Zealand’s freight market, and good for domestic and overseas visitors crossing Cook Strait on New Zealand’s premium inter-island ferry service.”
Aratere background:
- Built: Purpose-built in Spain in 1998 to replace Aratika (entered service in 1999)
- Lengthened: Extended by 30 metres in 2011 to boost capacity
- Original specs: 12,595 gross tonnes, 150 metres long
- Post-extension in 2011: 17,816 gross tonnes, 183.69 metres long
- Capacity:
- 600 passengers
- 30 trucks or 230 cars
- 28 rail wagons
- Service frequency: 24 Cook Strait crossings per week
