Happy berth-day, Arahura

Media statement

Wednesday 25 June

Happy berth-day, Arahura

The mighty quiet achiever Interisland ferry Arahura will make her 50,000th crossing of Cook Strait tomorrowmorning.

The ship’s engine room logbook today showed the ship would achieve her 50,000k ‘berth day’ on the 0300 Picton to Wellington sailing on Thursday 26 June.

Since 1983 Arahura has ferried passengers, trucks and trains between the North and South Islands, clocking up two and a half million nautical miles or about 4,600,000 kilometers, and making the equivalent of over 35,000 trips around New Zealand.

State-of the-art when first commissioned, the Arahura has long been a crowd favourite with many particularly enjoying her forward looking, Queen Charlotte Lounge. Arahura’s innovative bridge design, speed andmanoeuvrability has also endeared her to many past and serving Masters and crew members.

GM Interislander, Thomas Davis, said Arahura had been the fleet’s flag ship for the last 31 years.

“During this time the ship and her crew have adapted to a changing marketplace to provide great memories to many millions of people.

“All past and present crew that have sailed on Arahura can be personally very proud of the service they’ve provided and their contribution to both New Zealand’s supply chain and tourism network.”

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