Cook Strait ferry operator StraitNZ Bluebridge is set to bolster its fleet with the acquisition of a new vessel out of Europe.
The privately held company has reached an agreement to purchase the Stena Livia from Swedish shipping firm Stena Line. The vessel, currently operating between Germany and Latvia, is a sister ship to the Connemara, which joined the Bluebridge fleet in 2023.
StraitNZ chief executive Shane McMahon says securing the vessel is a significant milestone for the company.
“We are familiar with the vessel type and know it is well suited to work on Cook Strait. When we set out to find a suitable vessel replacement a few months ago, we wanted to be able to provide more freight and passenger capacity and the Livia delivers both.”
The Stena Livia, launched in 2008, is expected to arrive in New Zealand in July following a name change and drydock refit in Europe.
It will replace the Strait Feronia (which has been in service since 1997) towards the end of the year.
Bluebridge currently holds 50% of the Cook Strait freight market and more than 30% of the passenger market. The addition of the new vessel will increase vehicle capacity by 10% and significantly boost passenger numbers with further modifications.
“Bluebridge has invested and grown its Cook Strait fleet for the past 32 years. Where it makes commercial sense, we will continue to invest in capacity for our customers – both freight and passenger.
“As a private company this investment is made with no funding from government for vessels or landside infrastructure,” McMahon says.
