Thursday 2 December 2010

Cook Strait’s newest ferry arrived in Wellington today – just in time for the peak summer season.

Strait Shipping’s new vessel, the Straitsman, received a spectacular welcome from a Centreport tug that showered the ship with sea spray on entering Wellington’s inner harbour.

The Straitsman – named after Strait Shipping’s founding vessel – will join the freight and Bluebridge passenger service between Wellington and Picton in mid-December. At just five years old the ship will be the newest servicing the Cook Strait route.

Strait Shipping managing director Sheryl Ellison says the arrival of the ship represents a significant milestone for the company.

“The purchase of this new ship represents our commitment to the shipping, freight and tourism industries. It is a very significant investment and we are excited about the new level of service it will provide both freight customers and passengers.”

“We’re delighted to have the vessel here in time to meet peak passenger and freight demand through summer and also next year’s Rugby World Cup event.”

Ms Ellison says the ship will offer significantly increased capacity for both freight and passengers and their vehicles - while burning less fuel.

Positively Wellington Tourism chief executive David Perks says the Straitsman is a timely addition to the coolest little capital in the world and applauded Strait Shipping for its investment.

"We're about to enter what will be an incredibly exciting year in the tourism industry where we in turn need to ensure we deliver a world class experience. The introduction of a new, more environmentally-friendly vessel is fantastic news," he says.

Privately owned, Strait Shipping has been moving freight between the North and South Islands since 1992 and diversified into the passenger market with the launch of the Bluebridge service in 2003.

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OPEN SHIP

The Straitsman will be open to the public from 11am to 3pm on 11 December 2010 to raise funds for Wellington Children’s Hospital through a gold coin donation entry. The Open Day will include free parking, ship tour including bridge and engineroom, live music, Hospi the Lion, raffles and prize draws
Bluebridge Terminal, 50 Waterloo Quay, Wellington.

ENDS

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