New Zealand’s Kiwirail looks set to replace its 31-year-old Cook Strait ferry, the 12,735gt/1983 built Arahura, with the unpopular Aratere substitute, namely the 22,152gt/1998 built Stena Alegra.

The latter was chartered as a temporary replacement from early 2014 but suffered from a handful of mechanical and technical issues so did not win the hearts of Cook Strait customers. Since leaving New Zealand the former Norfolkline ship has been to Singapore and then anchored off Batam awaiting orders. The Arahura has been suffering from various problems herself hence the discussions to replace her.

Having been tried and tested, and not being too far away, the Stena Alegra would seem an obvious choice.