MV Aratika
| Script error: No such module "InfoboxImage". Aratika following her 1976 refit Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities". Script error: No such module "WPSHIPS utilities". |
MV Aratika was a roll-on/roll-off train ferry that operated on the Interislander between Wellington and Picton in New Zealand from 1974 until 1999.
According to the Ministry for Culture & Heritage, Aratika is a Māori-language word meaning direct path.[1]
History
Aratika was built by Chantiers Dubigeon in France for the New Zealand Railways Department to operate between Wellington and Picton.[2] She was built to carry rail freight only.[3] Launched in November 1973, the ship arrived in Wellington in June 1974.[4][5][6]
In 1976 she was converted by Hongkong United Dockyards to carry passengers and private vehicles as well as railway wagons.[7] This increased her passenger capacity from 10 to 840, and the car space from four to 70.[8]
During her 25 years of service, the vessel completed 27,265 crossings and traveled an overall distance of Script error: No such module "convert"..
In 1999, she was sold to MBRS Lines in the Philippines and served as MV Virgin Mary until 2008, when she was sold to Indian ship-breakers.[9]
References
<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Fourth Ferry on Order Network June 1971 page 1
- ↑ New ferry to be rail only Rails September 1973 page 14
- ↑ Fourth NZ rail ferry launched Network December 1973 page 1
- ↑ Aratika launching Rails January 1974 page 15
- ↑ Fourth ferry here Rails August 1974 page 11
- ↑ Down to the Sea in Trains Network March 1976 page 4
- ↑ Rebuilt Aratika back in service Rails May 1977 page 15
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
External links
- Aratika at New Zealand Maritime Record