After 26 years of service, Aratere is heading to a recycling yard following KiwiRail's decision to retire the vessel and sell it for responsible disposal.
Interislander's executive general manager Duncan Roy said the ferry had served the country well across those 26 years before being taken out of service in August. The retirement was driven by the need to free up port infrastructure for two new rail-enabled ferries, due to be delivered in 2029.
Roy explained that finding a conventional buyer was never a realistic prospect. "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 carried out due diligence on the chosen shipyard, including physical inspections, and Interislander has worked closely with the Environmental Protection Authority throughout the process. Roy confirmed that once ownership transfers to the buyer, crewing the journey to the recycling yard becomes that party's responsibility. "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," he said.
Before the sale was finalised, KiwiRail ensured useful items from Aratere were put to good use. Appliances, furniture, and other items have been redistributed across the fleet and wider operations, with some donated rather than discarded.
With Aratere now set to be disposed of, Roy said Interislander would move to its next chapter "of modern, efficient, larger rail-enabled ferries".
