Interislander’s executive general manager Duncan Roy said the ferry which has been retired from service had served the country well for 26 years.
It was retired in August to make way for the port infrastructure needed for the arrival of two new rail enabled ferries which are due to be delivered in 2029.
“Aratere is not suitable for most ferry operators due to its age and the fact it would require significant modification or specialist port infrastructure. Therefore, we have pursued a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible recycling option.”
KiwiRail has conducted due diligence and physical inspections of the shipyard.
Interislander has been working closely with the Environmental Protection Authority throughout the process.
“Once the buyer takes ownership of the ship it will be responsible for crewing its journey to the recycling yard subject to review by the EPA, which is pending,” Roy said.
KiwiRail has repurposed appliances, furniture, and other items from Aratere across its fleet and operations, while some items have been donated.
Once the ferry had been disposed of Interislander would move to its next chapter “of modern, efficient, larger rail-enabled ferries”, Roy said.
Originally published at rnz.co.nz
