MV Aratika explained

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 1400000miles.

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]

External links

• Aratika at New Zealand Maritime Record

Notes and References

1. Web site: 1000 Māori place names. New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 6 August 2019.
2. Fourth Ferry on Order Network June 1971 page 1
3. New ferry to be rail only Rails September 1973 page 14
4. Fourth NZ rail ferry launched Network December 1973 page 1
5. Aratika launching Rails January 1974 page 15
6. Fourth ferry here Rails August 1974 page 11
7. Down to the Sea in Trains Network March 1976 page 4
8. Rebuilt Aratika back in service Rails May 1977 page 15
9. News: On the waterfront: Former ferry ready for last run. Otago Daily Times. 28 July 2008.