Irish Continental Group Offloads Ferry Oldie

Ireland’s maritime transportation group Irish Continental Group (ICG) revealed it has sold the passenger ferry Kaitaki to New Zealand-based ferry operator Kiwi Rail.

The 22,365 gross ton ship, sold for EUR 45 million (USD 50.1 million), has been delivered to its new owner, according to ICG.

Previously known as Isle of Innisfree, Pride of Cherbourg and Stena Challenger, the 180-meter-long vessel is able to accommodate 1,650 passengers, 600 cars and 108 trucks.

Earlier this month, ICG entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the sale of the ferry.

“The Kaitaki which was commissioned by and delivered to ICG in 1995 became surplus to ICG’s operational requirements following delivery of our cruise ferry Ulysses in 2001. Kaitaki has been on charter outside the group since 2002, most recently to the buyers KiwiRail who operate the vessel in New Zealand,” ICG said on May 17.

As disclosed, the proceeds from the sale will be used for ICG’s general corporate purposes.