The upgraded Cook Strait ferry to replace the ailing Arahura in spring has been named Kaiarahi.
KiwiRail has chartered the 16-year-old Spanish-built ship, formerly known as the Stena Alegra, to replace the 31-year-old Interislander vessel despite its brief but trouble-plagued past with the foreign vessel.
The Swedish-owned ferry was leased at short notice in December 2013 after KiwiRail's newly refurbished Aratere lost a propeller in the strait.
However, The Stena Alegra broke down during its first week of service and also needed repairs to its propeller.
Despite this, KiwiRail pushed ahead with a five-year charter of the boat last December at a cost which has not been disclosed.
The government-owned corporation is promising a more reliable ship this time around.
The 180m Kaiarahi, which is considerably bigger than the 139m Arahura, will arrive in September with an upgraded engine room, navigation and passenger areas, retractable stabilisers and new gangway areas so passengers can walk on and off in Wellington and Picton.
The upgrade is being carried out at the expense of the ship's owners, Stena RoRo.
Kaiarahi, means leadership and its metaphorical meaning is guardian or to guide.
The new name does not include the phrase Ara, meaning pathway, as that is reserved for KiwiRail's rail-capable ferries.
Source: NZ Newswire
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