Cook Strait addition on way

Straits Shipping says a new vessel it will operate on the Cook Strait arrives in Wellington on December 23 and when it enters service, charges will be the same as on its other vessels.

The "Bluebridge" has to pass checks from regulators before starting scheduled services. It will initially carry 100 passengers and their vehicles. Once modifications are made to the dining area it will be able to carry 200 passengers until conversions are undertaken during the winter,

"The price will not double in peak periods, nor will we offer half-price fares after we have filled the majority of the vessel with more expensive fares," managing director Sheryl Mateni said.

"Our business has been built on the basics of understanding our customers' needs and building open, honest relationships with them."

The company competes with Tranz Rail, which said yesterday that it had concluded a refinancing of its banking facilities and finalised an agreement with the owners of the Aratere ferry. The new bank facility of $83 million runs until June 2004.