KiwiRail’s Interislander service acquires Gotland Ro-Ro

KiwiRail operating arm Interislander has confirmed it will purchase the Ro-Ro ferry Valentine to provide added freight capacity heading into the busy summer and Christmas period.

Interislander leased the freight-only Valentine in November 2021 to provide freight capacity across Te Moana-o-Raukawa Cook Strait while repairs were undertaken on the gearbox of the ferry Kaiarahi.

KiwiRail had an option to purchase Valentine at the end of the lease period and has exercised this option, buying the ship from Gotland Shipping of Sweden.