Ive worked on all the vessals strait shipping have had /have and this looks to be a sign of new beginnings
A new environmentally friendly Cook Strait ferry is set to hit Cook Strait.
Strait Shipping has purchased the Danish vessel Dueodde.
It will join the company's Cook Strait freight and Bluebridge passenger services in December.
The ship will be renamed the Straitsman, after Strait Shipping's first vessel, in service for 11 years from when the company began in 1992.
The new Straitsman, at just five years old, will be the youngest ship on Cook Strait.
Manufactured in a Dutch shipyard in 2005, the roll-on roll-off vessel has a range of green features including its fuel efficiency, and utilisation of waste heat for heating hot water and passenger areas.
Strait Shipping managing director Sheryl Ellison says the company was delighted to have secured the vessel after a worldwide search.
''This ship is the perfect mix of space and sustainability. It will provide us with 50 per cent increased freight and vehicle capacity and space for a third more passengers than the vessel it replaces while burning significantly less fuel.''
''It will enable us to meet our freight and passengers needs in the high season, and around key events such as Rugby World Cup 2011, while remaining sustainable during the slower off peak. The purchase is a very significant investment for a private, New Zealand owned company and represents our long-term commitment to servicing the route.''
The ferry's contemporary Scandinavian designed interiors areas accommodate 400 passengers housed in comfortable modern cabins and reclining seating.
On-board facilities include a cafeteria, reception area, shop, a family area, viewing lounge and allergy free zone.
Big screens will be installed to allow for the Bluebridge services offering of free movies.
The vessel is equipped with high-tech navigation aids, stabilisers, two powerful bow thrusters and in-line high lift flap rudders to ensure efficient manoeuvrability.
The ship, currently connecting the island of Bornholm with the mainland of Denmark, will complement the vessel the Santa Regina, replacing the smaller capacity Monte Stello.
Strait Shipping crew will fly to Denmark to oversee drydocking of the vessel before it makes the six week journey back to New Zealand .
Privately owned, Strait Shipping has been moving freight between the North and South Islands since 1992.
It diversified into the passenger market with the launch of the Bluebridge service in 2003.
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Originally Posted by yod
...(I was on it)
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