KiwiRail has agreed to sell its retired Interislander ferry ARATERE to a buyer who will deliver the vessel to a specialist recycling shipyard in India. The ferry made its final Cook Strait crossing in August, marking the end of 26 years of service. ARATERE was retired to enable the redevelopment of Picton port in preparation for two new Cook Strait ferries due to arrive in 2029.
Interislander executive general manager Duncan Roy said the vessel was unsuitable for most ferry operators due to its age and the need for “significant” modification or specialist port infrastructure. “Therefore, we have pursued a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible recycling option,” he said.
KiwiRail carried out due diligence and physical inspections of the shipyard and worked closely with New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) throughout the process. The buyer will crew the ship for its final voyage to India, subject to EPA review.
HSC GOLDEN PRINCESS will be launched on the Cyclades route on 17 October. GOLDEN STAR FERRIES’ vessel (ex-GOTLANDIA II) will serve the Rafina–Tinos–Mykonos–Paros line, replacing her fleet mate HSC SUPEREXPRESS until 20 October. Currently at the port of Rafina, she was built in Italy in 2006. The ship can carry 900 passengers and 160 cars, sailing at 32 knots.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos