A $2.5-million addition to Fullers Bay of Islands' vehicle ferry fleet should reduce waiting times for ferries between Opua and Okiato.

Fullers officially launched its new ferry 'Arawhiti' at Opua last Thursday after two weeks of service.

The 28-vehicle vessel joins the 24-vehicle ferry 'Okiato' and replaces the smaller vessel 'Opua', which carries up to 12 vehicles.

Fullers Northland regional general manager Mike Horne says an increase in the number of vehicles using the service in recent years has seen motorists queue for ferries at busy times.

"The two large ferries will be able to clear considerably more vehicles per crossing and will negate the requirement to juggle large trucks at peak periods," Mr Horne says.

"As such, we envisage a considerable reduction in queues and waiting periods at peak times of the year."

Opua will join 'Kohu Ra' as a back-up and charter vessel after 37 years of service between Opua and Okiato.


SOURCE: By RICHARD EDMONDSON - Northern News