DEV Aratere


DEV Aratere is a roll-on roll-off rail and vehicle ferry in service for Interislander in New Zealand. Built in 1998 and lengthened in 2011, she operates four crossings from Wellington to Picton each day. In November 2013, she lost one of her propellers in Cook Strait.

History

Diesel Electric Vessel Aratere was built for Tranz Rail, now KiwiRail, in 1998 to replace the ageing MV Aratika. The name "Aratere" is a Māori-language word meaning "Quick Path".
In 2011, Aratere underwent a $52 million refit at the Sembawang shipyard in Singapore, increasing her capacity from 360 to 600 passengers. The refit included a new bow and stern. The ship was lengthened by cutting it in half to insert a new midsection.

Incidents

Aratere has been involved in several technical problems and engine failures over her years in service. There is no official relationship between these incidents, though the media have stoked speculation that the ferry may be jinxed and she has earned the nickname "El Lemon". Notable incidents have included:
Aratere has both rail and vehicle decks. These can be loaded simultaneously through the stern via a double linkspan. A lower hold has additional space for cars, though access to this hold was blocked off after the refit in Singapore.
Aratere has six decks.
Aratere operates six crossings of the Cook Strait each day. In late 2009, Aratere celebrated her 20,000th crossing, having travelled around 2 million kilometres.