Aratere set to end its days at recycling shipyard in India

RNZ

KiwiRail has agreed to sell the Interislander ferry Aratere to a buyer, which will deliver it to a specialist recycling shipyard in India.

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 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.

In April, Rail Minister Winston Peters announced it would be retired due to it being the only ferry where rail freight could roll on and off it. That meant it couldn’t be used at another wharf in Picton. At the time Peters said it would have cost $120 million to keep the Aratere in service.

Meanwhile, KiwiRail has conducted due diligence and physical inspections of the shipyard in India, Roy said.

“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”.

KiwiRail has repurposed or donated appliances, furniture, and other items from Aratere across its fleet and operations.