A Cook Strait ferry operator has bought a new eco friendly Danish vessel to meet the demands of the Rugby World Cup and the rapidly growing freight market.
Strait Shipping, which has been operating between the North and South Islands since 1992 launching
A Cook Strait ferry operator has bought a new eco friendly Danish vessel to meet the demands of the Rugby World Cup and the rapidly growing freight market.
Strait Shipping, which has been operating between the North and South Islands since 1992 launching Bluebridge passenger service in 2003, has been on the lookout for an appropriate addition since October last year.
Strait Shipping managing director Sheryl Ellison told the National Business Review the company was looking for a ship that was economical and versatile to suit the changing market.
“In terms of the capacity, we want to meet the demand of the growing freight trade in New Zealand, which is expected to double in the next 20 years.
“It will enable us to meet our freight and passengers needs in the high season and for key events such as Rugby World Cup 2011, while remaining sustainable during the slower offpeak.”
The new vessel will allow a 50% increase in freight and vehicle capacity and space for a third more passengers than the vessel it replaces, while burning significantly less fuel, said Ms Ellison.
“This ship is the perfect mix of space and sustainability. In terms of what it can carry we can use this space for 365 days of the year not just for three busy weeks, so we’re not shipping a whole lot of dead air.”
The five-year-old ship – Dueodde – which currently sails between the island of Bornholm and the mainland of Denmark, will join the company’s Cook Strait freight and Bluebridge passenger services in December.
The purposebuilt roll-on roll-off vessel, which will be renamed Straitsman in recognition of the company’s first ship, has a range of green features including fuel efficiency, utilisation of waste heat for heating hot water and passenger areas and an allergy free passenger zone.
The ferry’s contemporary Scandinavian designed interiors areas accommodate 400 passengers with on-board facilities including a cafeteria, reception area, shop, a family area, viewing lounge and allergy free zone. Big screens will be installed for free movies.
The vessel, which will be the newest ship on Cook Strait, is equipped with high-tech navigation aids, stabilisers, two powerful bow thrusters and in-line high lift flap rudders to ensure efficient manoeuvrability.
