New Diamond Harbour ferry dives into operation

Black Cat and Metro’s new Diamond Harbour ferry, Black Pearl, has begun its operations. 

Two events, one for the community and another for officials, were held this month to celebrate the ferry’s launch. 

The vessel can carry up to 95 customers, almost double the capacity of the other Diamond Harbour ferry, Black Diamond, which will now be used as the reserve ferry. With a 15-percent increase in passenger trips from 135,000 in the 2022–2023 Financial Year to just over 155,000 in the 2023–2024 Financial Year, the ferry’s additional capacity will come in handy. 

The new ferry has been years in the making. 

A lot of planning and careful design has gone into the ferry - it will allow for greater accessibility for customers, including those with prams or bikes. 

The ferry was proudly built in Canterbury for Canterbury, by Icon Custom Boats in Rangiora. 

There are more than 290 scheduled ferry trips each week, 215 of these on weekdays, ensuring a consistent service between Lyttelton and Diamond Harbour. 

The timetable and prices for the service will remain the same.