Livia arrives to Picton
Port Marlborough's tugs saluted the first arrival of Livia, Bluebridge's newest ferry addition, into Picton on Saturday morning. Photo: Anne Gaelle Photography.
Bluebridge's newest addition to the Cook Strait ferry fleet has made its first arrival into Picton Harbour this morning.
Livia, built in 2008 and purchased by Bluebridge owners StraitNZ from Stena Line from operating on the Baltic Sea between Germany and Latvia, was welcomed by Port Marlborough tugboats with a water spray display on its first of what is hoped to be many sailings.
The ferry was supposed to make its first trip from Wellington across the Strait on the 5th of July, but the trip was postponed due to weather conditions not being suitable for the sea trials to be conducted.
StraitNZ Chief Executive Shane McMahon says the benefits the increased capacity the Livia brings to the South Island is significant.
“It will further strengthen that vital link between the North and South ensuring the efficient flow of people and freight from North to South and delivering economic benefits for tourism and many other industries.”
“We’re excited about Livia’s arrival into Picton for sea trials this weekend.”