GMV Aranui 1965-1984

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 Union Steam Ship Company (USSCo). It served as a sistership to Aramoana and was a Twin Screw Diesel Electric. It 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 New Zealand Railways (NZR). In 1978, after a power failure induced a near capsize, it underwent a major refit at Dunedin by local contractors.

In June 1984 the Aranui was laid up for sale and was purchased by Najd Maritime Agency, Jedah along with the Aramoana. On 9 November, renamed Nui, it sailed with Aram to Singapore for refitting.  It 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 it was sold for scrap and delivered to Chittagong. 

New Zealand Railways 1965-1984 - Aranui 

Najd Maritime Agency, Jedah 1984-1994 - Nui, Najd III