KiwiRail has confirmed that its ferry Aratere will be retiring no later than August 30.
It was revealed at the end of April that the Aratere would be pulled from service on Cook Strait this year, to make way for required Picton port re-development in preparation for the two brand-new Cook Strait ferries arriving in 2029.
Work on Picton wharf could begin as soon as October, and no later than March next year.
Interislander executive general manager Duncan Roy said “while we will be sorry to see her go, it is a necessary step towards the arrival of new, bigger, more fuel-efficient rail-enabled ferries in 2029″.
The ferry, which had served the Cook Strait since 1999, required specific loading and unloading infrastructure so it could not use the other Interislander wharf in Picton.
KiwiRail has talked to customers and has confirmed a new two-ship timetable and coordinating rail timetable, as well as developing a plan for “road bridging” during the transition to the new rail-enabled ships.
“More than 2200 passenger bookings have now been transferred from Aratere to Kaitaki and Kaiārahi,” Roy said.
If replacement bookings do not suit customers, they can change their booking without any change fee or receive a full refund.
“Holders of more than 2500 passenger bookings affected by a change in departure time with the move to the new two-ship timetable have also been notified of their new departure time.”
Freight customers will be contacted from today to lock in their freight requirements.
