New Zealand: Strait Shipping has purchased a purpose-built Ro-Ro vessel to replace the 'Monte Stello' in passenger and cargo service between Wellington, Picton and Nelson.
Previously known as the 'Dueodde,' the Dutch-built vessel has been renamed 'Straitsman' after the shipping company's first vessel which served 11 years from its 1992 inception.
The new 'Straitsman' will provide a 50 percent increase in freight and vehicle capacity as well as a 33 percent increase in passenger space compared to the 'Monte Stello', and at five years old will become the youngest vessel in operation on the Cook Strait.
Due to arrive in New Zealand towards the end of October, the 'Straitsman' will join Strait Shipping's other existing vessel, the 'Bluebridge', which provides a passenger service between Wellington and Picton.
Iain MacIntyre
