The Interisland Line Leases Replacement Fast Ferry

The Interisland Line Leases Replacement Fast Ferry

Auckland, New Zealand - Tranz Rail Holdings Limited [NZSE: TRH]

The Interisland Line has entered into a 'Heads of Agreement' to charter a replacement fast ferry to continue 'The Lynx' service.

Operating year-round, but with a reduced weekend-only schedule over the winter months, the vessel will commence service at the beginning of August - in time to cover the period when Aratere is in Auckland for its regular dry-dock maintenance check.

Thomas Davis, Group General Manager, The Interisland Line, says passengers will really enjoy the layout of the new vessel.

"It offers a wide variety of seating, two interior passenger decks with an attractive central skylight atrium, plus plenty of outdoor areas to take in the scenery. In particular, there are two elevated sundecks towards the front of the vessel as well as a large stern facing viewing deck," he said.

"The new-look fast ferry also features separate bar and café; children's play area and shop.

"The replacement fast ferry ties in with our strategic plan to better match capacity to demand across Cook Strait," said Thomas Davis.

"Back in 2000, the decision to operate a regular daily service of The Lynx year-round was largely introduced to address our freight customer needs, as it was our first freight-capable fast ferry.

"With the freight ship Purbeck in our fleet - we are able to meet our freight demand and the replacement ferry will purely focus on the needs of the passenger market.

"We will operate the 'The Lynx' service over the weekends during winter where there is increased passenger demand.

"A very favourable charter fee for the new vessel has been negotiated which reflects the limited use during the winter," said Mr Davis.

Bookings for this service during August will open on Tuesday 3 June.

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