How about a quick trip across the Cook Strait? Right here stands a vital piece of infrastructure. It is the Rail/Road Ferry 2. This berth facilitates the transport of passengers and cargo between the North and South Islands. It is an essential link.
In 1958, a pivotal report suggested a roll-on/roll-off rail and road ferry service. The Union Company declined the Government’s construction offer. New Zealand Government Railways then took the initiative. They announced plans to build a ship for service by 1962. Alan Gandell and Hugh Jones oversaw the design. They collaborated with British consultants Burness Corlett and Partners.
The first ship ARAMOANA arrived in Wellington in July 1962. It showcased many innovations. Its bridge was fully enclosed. This was unusual for the time. It had a gyro compass and two radars. The ship also featured a bow thruster and stabilizers. ARAMOANA commenced service on August 13 1962. It replaced the aging Union Company ship TAMAHINE. Initially, it offered six return crossings weekly. It departed Wellington at 10:00 and Picton at 14:20 Monday to Saturday. The Union Steam Ship Company managed it despite government ownership.
ARAMOANA’s impact was significant. In its last year, TAMAHINE carried 60000 passengers. It also transported 11000 cars and 14000 tons of cargo. ARAMOANA’s first year saw a surge. It carried 207000 passengers, 46000 cars and 181000 tons of cargo.
A second ship ARANUI arrived in Wellington on June 9 1966. Vickers Armstrong in Newcastle built it. Both ships were 112 meters long. They had service speeds of 17 knots. ARAMOANA carried 778 passengers. ARANUI carried 800 passengers.
Two more ferries were built. ARAHANGA was delivered in 1972. ARATIKA arrived in 1974. In November 1971, New Zealand Railways took over complete ship management. It had a department called Air Sea Services. Railways had chartered aircraft for cargo transport. It had organized cargo for the ferries for nine years.
ARAHANGA was mainly a cargo vessel. It could also accommodate 40 passengers. It made history. It was the last passenger ship built at John Brown shipyard. ARATIKA was built in France. It was purely a rail ship with no passengers. In 1976, ARATIKA was altered in Hong Kong. It could then carry 70 cars and 800 passengers.
ARAHURA was ordered from Denmark in 1982. It was delivered in 1984. It was 149 meters long. It could carry 975 passengers. Its bridge had a cockpit design. This allowed all watchkeeping from a sitting position.
With ARAHURA’s arrival, the two oldest ferries were sold. The department’s name changed to Searail. The funnels also changed design. Hull colors were changed to white.
In 1994, a new ferry ARATERE was ordered. It replaced ARATIKA and ARAHANGA. In 2003, the retired ferry PURBECK was used. In 2005, CHALLENGER was chartered. In July 2008, the New Zealand Government bought back the rail and ferry operations. It rebranded the Company KiwiRail.
The Rail/Road Ferry 2 berth stands as a testament to innovation. It is a crucial link connecting New Zealand. It has evolved to meet the country’s changing transport needs.