New Zealand has announced plans to replace its fleet of three “Interislander” ferries operating on the Cook Strait, which connects Wellington, on the North Island, with Picton, on the South Island. The plan includes the purchase of two new ferries, expected to be in service by 2029, alongside the upgrading of associated port infrastructure between the two islands.
According to the New Zealand Government, the focus will be on efficiency, service continuity, and cost containment. The new vessels are to be smaller in size than those envisaged under the previous iRex project. As a result, the Wellington terminal will remain unchanged, while the Picton port infrastructure will be upgraded through the construction of a new dual-lane wharf. The project may, in the future, be linked to a broader port and rail enhancement programme on the South Island, which is still under consideration.
The ferries, designed for an operational lifespan of 30 years, will be approximately 200 metres long and 28 metres wide, with a capacity of 1,500 passengers each. To optimise costs and services, they will be built with a mixed road-rail configuration, including 2.4 kilometres of lanes dedicated to cars and trucks, as well as space to accommodate 40 rail wagons.
The shipyards and construction firms involved in the project will be selected through a closed tender process. No prior disclosure of estimated costs will be made, in order to ensure greater competitiveness.
Ferry Holdings, a company established in February to oversee the ferry procurement process and the upgrading of port infrastructure, will define the final technical specifications of the projects and invite a shortlist of selected shipyards to take part in the tender process. Operating within the budgetary limits set by the Government, Ferry Holdings will subsequently initiate commercial negotiations on the port infrastructure developments. A ministerial decision on the matter is expected by the end of 2025.
