November 11, 2021
KiwiRail has chartered the CLdN Kawasaki-type roro VALENTINE for an initial 12 months.
It is due to arrive in mid-December.
Ropax KAIARAHI (ex STENA ALEGRA) requires major repairs to its gearbox after its sudden failure, and those repairs are expected to take at least until March.
The remaining two Interislander ferries, ARATERE and KAITAKI cannot serve the market alone. The freight-only ferry will free up space for passengers and their vehicles on the other ferries, ensuring New Zealanders can travel during the summer holiday season.
