Bluebridge to add sister ship to fleet

Strait Shipping is to add a new passenger vessel to the its Bluebridge Cook Strait ferry service.

The Monte Stello is expected to enter service in early 2006.

She will be sister ship to the Strait's existing passenger vessel Santa Regina.

The Monte Stello, almost identical in size and features to the Santa Regina, is currently chartered in the Canary Islands.

Strait Shipping said today it had signed a memorandum of understanding with the owner of the Monte Stello and was expected to take delivery of the vessel in early January.

Strait's managing director Sheryl Ellison said the company had been looking for a suitable vessel for some time and was delighted to have secured a ship similar to the Santa Regina.

"We're very pleased to have obtained a ship that suits the conditions and environment of Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds and complements our existing fleet."

Once the new ship arrives, the Bluebridge service would offer four return sailings between Wellington and Picton each day.

The Bluebridge service was officially launched in December 2003 by long-time freight operator Strait Shipping which had been transporting cargo across Cook Strait since 1992.

- NZPA