The project involves replacing KiwiRail's Interislander fleet ferry service, which links road and rail networks between New Zealand's north and south islands, with two new rail-enabled ferries. It provides a connection between State Highway 1 and the Main Trunk Line across Cook Strait. Interislander operates around 3800 ferry services yearly, transporting nearly 850,000 passengers, 250,000 cars and a significant amount of freight.
The project involves the delivery of:
- two new rail-enabled ferries, and
- upgrades to Wellington and Picton Ferry terminals.
Funding contributions
NZ Government |
Procurement
Procuring Agency: | KiwiRail |
PROJECT HISTORY
Jul 2021 | KiwiRail achieved contract close with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) for the delivery of two new ferries. The first is expected to arrive in 2025 and the second in 2026. The contract price for the two ferries was NZ$551 million (A$515 million). |