GMV Aramoana 1962-1994

The GMV Aramoana was built in 1962 by William Denny & Bros Ltd, Dumbarton for New Zealand Railways' Cook Strait service, the GMV Aramoana was to be operated by the Union Steam Ship Company (USSCo.). Its propulsion was Twin Screw diesel electric.

It was the first rail ferry to operate on the NZ coast. The ship was revolutionary, being roll on roll off (RO-RO), and had bridge control of main engines, a bow thruster and a bow rudder, although the bow rudder was seldom used.  The prefix GMV (Government Motor Vessel) was used until about 1980 when the more conventional prefix DEV (Diesel Electric Vessel) was used for Aramoana, Aranui and Arahura. By the time Aratere arrived such nomenclature seems to have disappeared. It could carry up to 788 passengers.

In 1971 operation of the ship transferred to New Zealand Railways. In 1977 the GMV Aramoana went to Sembawang Shipyard, Singapore for refitting and remodelling.  After its return it served until June 1983 when it was laid up for sale.

The GMV Aramoana was sold to Najd Maritime Agency, Jedah, and along with the Aranui left Wellington on 9 November 1984. Under the name Aram it sailed to Singapore to be refitted. It was renamed Najd II and along with the former Aranui operated a Red Sea pilgrim service.