The $2.7 million vessel was handed over (on Wednesday 15 April) from boat-builders Q-West to Meridian at a blessing ceremony in Wanganui.
“The Mararoa was designed and built in New Zealand in keeping with Meridian’s goal of using resources in an efficient and viable manner,” says Alan Seay from Meridian.
“In addition to the expertise provided by boat-builders Q-West, transport and tourism company Real Journeys has provided technical advice to ensure the vessel can cope with the wide range of conditions on Lake Manapouri.”
The Mararoa will replace two aging vessels – the Endeavour and the Resolution – dating from the 1960s.
The twin-hulled vessel is significantly more efficient than the old boats, both in terms of travel time and fuel use.
“The Mararoa will make the journey between Manapouri and West Arm in around 30 minutes at a speed of 25 knots, compared to the 60 minutes or so for the existing boats.
“It will also use less fuel than the existing boats and have a smaller wake, thus reducing the impact on the local environment.”
The hull of the Maraora is not painted, to reduce the need for maintenance, and is coated with a special environmentally sensitive anti-fouling system.
“In addition, the Mararoa will be safer and more comfortable for staff and contractors making the daily journey across Lake Manapouri.”
The Mararoa was built by Meridian leveraging the syndicated procurement provision of the NZ Police Marine Vessel agreement with Q-West. This not only significantly reduced the procurement costs for the vessel, it also provided New Zealand businesses with the opportunity to successfully participate in the delivery of a major project for Meridian.
The new vessel is scheduled to depart Wanganui between 20 and 22 April. It will sail south before crossing Cook Strait and sailing along the east coast of the South Island to Bluff. From Bluff the Mararoa will be trucked to Pearl Harbour at Manapouri and is expected to be launched on Lake Manapouri in late April.
“We are delighted with the quality of design and finish on the Mararoa, which we are sure will provide safe, reliable and efficient transport across Lake Manapouri for many years to come,” concludes Alan Seay.
For more information:
Gerald Raymond
027 443-7253