DEV Aratere
DEV "Aratere" is a roll-on/roll-off rail and vehicle ferry operated by KiwiRail in New Zealand. Built in 1998 and lengthened in 2011, she operates four daily crossings on the "Interislander" service across Cook Strait from Wellington to Picton each day (with six crossings over the December/January period). History. Diesel Electric Vessel (DEV) "Aratere" was built for Tranz Rail in 1998 to replace the "Aratika". The name "Aratere" is a Māori-language word meaning "quick path" ("ara" = "path, route", "tere" = "fast, quick"). In 2011, "Aratere" underwent a $52 million refit at the  Sembawang shipyard in Singapore, increasing her capacity from 360 to 600 passengers. The refit included a new bow and stern. The ship was lengthened by cutting it in half to insert a new midsection. Incidents. "Aratere" has been involved in several technical problems and engine failures over her years in service. There is no official relationship between these incidents, though the media have stoked speculation that the ferry may be jinxed and she has earned the nickname "El Lemon". Notable incidents have included: Layout. "Aratere" has both rail and vehicle decks. These can be loaded simultaneously through the stern via  a double linkspan. A lower hold has additional space for cars, though access to this hold was blocked off after the refit in Singapore. "Aratere" has six decks. Service. "Aratere" operates six crossings of the Cook Strait each day (three passenger, three freight). In late 2009, "Aratere" celebrated her 20,000th crossing, having travelled around 2 million kilometres.