Our Fleet // Monte Stello

The 11,630 ton Monte Stello is sister ship to the Santa Regina and with a lane metre capacity of 1000 metres is a significant asset to the Strait Shipping freight fleet.

Suitable for every type of freight from livestock to breakbulk or overdimensional loads, the Monte Stello sails twice daily from both Picton and Wellington and has recently began servicing our freight-only coastal route between Wellington and Nelson.

With a service speed of 19.5 knots, the Monte Stello runs two Pielstick diesel engines and features one bow thruster and two stabilisers.

Driver facilities onboard the Monte Stello include two berth cabin, showers and laundry facilties. Drivers also enjoy freshly prepared, hearty meals.

The Monte Stello arrived in New Zealand from Las Palmas, Canary Islands in March 2006.

Known as the Palanga while sailing between Las Palmas and Tenerife, the vessel was returned to its original name of Monte Stello, as per Strait Shipping tradition, when she arrived in New Zealand.

On arrival in New Zealand, the Monte Stello received a face-lift in keeping with the Santa Regina, the Monte Stello joined the Cook Strait service route in December 2006.

The Monte Stello was built by Societe Nouvelle Des Ateliers et Chatier in France in 1979. It has an overall length of 126 metres and a draft of just under six metres.