BuilderUpper Clyde ShipBuildersWhere BuiltClydebank, ScotlandDate Built1970-71Length x Breadth127 metresNumber of passengers40 later increased to 100.PropulsionTwin screw diesel. CPP propellers. Bow thruster. Additional NotesThe third ship in NZR fleet ARAHANGA was built by Upper Clyde Shipbuilders(formally John Brown), Clydebank in 1972 . ARAHANGA was one of the last ships built at that famous yard. Its delivery was delayed by six months due to industrial problems with shipyard workers. This was the first Railways ship with controllable pitch propellers on main engine and bow thruster. Designed to load trucks on top deck but this did not occur for a number of years because of objections by the NZ waterside workers. Photo taken in September 1972 off the Isle of Arran when on builders trials.
New Zealand Ship and Marine Society (21st Aug 2019). ARAHANGA 1972 - 2001. In Website New Zealand Ship and Marine Society. Retrieved 18th Jan 2021 02:22, from https://nzshipmarine.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/718