Other NamesNuiNajd IIIBuilderVickers ArmstrongWhere builtNewcastle, EnglandDate Range1965Description
The Aranui was built in 1965 by Vickers Armstrong Ltd, Newcastle on Tyne for the New Zealand Railways Cook Strait service, to be operated by the USSCo. She served as a sistership to Aramoana. She had an extra deck below the bridge which had an extra viewing lounge and officer accommodation and could carry up to 950 passengers.
In 1971 operation of the ship transferred to NZR. In 1978,after a power failure induced a near capsize, she underwent a major refit at Dunedin by local contractors.
In June 1984 she was laid up for sale and was purchased by Najd Maritime Agency, Jedah along with Aramoana. On 9 November, renamed Nui, she sailed with Aram to Singapore for refitting. She was renamed Najd III and operated the Red Sea pilgrim service along with Najd II. In 1994 Najd III was retired and laid up in Singapore along with Najd II while awaiting sale. In November she was sold for scrap and delivered to Chittagong.
Propulsion
Twin screw diesel electric
Owners
New Zealand Railways 1965-1984 - Aranui
Najd Maritime Agency, Jedah 1984-1994 - Nui, Najd III
Aranui, New Zealand Ship and Marine Society