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MV Arahanga

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History
New Zealand
NameMV Arahanga
OperatorNew Zealand Railways Department, New Zealand Railways Corporation, Tranz Rail
RouteWellington - Picton
BuilderUpper Clyde Shipbuilders, Glasgow
Yard number111
Launched27 July 1972
In service11 December 1972
Out of service27 March 2001
FateScrapped
General characteristics
Class and typeRoll-on/roll-off, train ferry
Tonnage3,893 GRT
Length127.4 metres
Beam18.3 metres
Draught4.8 metres
Propulsion2 x SEMT Pielstick
Speed17 Knots (31 km/h)
Capacity40 (Original) 100 (1989)

MV Arahanga was a roll-on/roll-off train ferry that operated across the Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton in New Zealand from 1972 until 2001.

History

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Arahanga was built by Upper Clyde Shipbuilders, Glasgow for the New Zealand Railways Department to operate across the Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton.[1] Upper Clyde Shipbuilders went into liquidation during its construction, delaying its completion by 10 months.[2] It was the last ship built at the John Brown & Company yard.[3] Launched on 27 January 1972, it arrived in Wellington on 22 November 1972 and entered service on 11 December 1972.[4][5][6]

It was built as a cargo ferry with four tracks for railway wagons and additional capacity for road trucks. Built to only carry 40 passengers, it was refitted in 1984 to carry 100.[7] After 32,662 voyages, it was withdrawn on 27 March 2001 and sold to Alang, India for scrapping.[2]

References

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  1. ^ A Bridge in NZ Network December 1970 page 1
  2. ^ a b Arahanga New Zealand Maritime Museum
  3. ^ Cook Strait ferry service started 25 years ago Rails September 1987 page 36
  4. ^ Ferry Launched Rails February 1972 page 14
  5. ^ Third Rail Ferry for New Zealand Railways Network January 1973 page 2
  6. ^ Third Vessel for Cook Strait Rail Ferry Service Railway Transportation February 1973 page 5
  7. ^ Arahanga altered Rails November 1984 page 94