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.
Tthe new 220m long ferries will be significantly larger than the current vessels and be able to transport more people, cars and freight, with the sister ships able to transport both rail and truck freight. The terminal upgrades will also bring the existing structures up to modern safety standards and make them more compatible with the new ferries.
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). |
Sep 2022 | KiwiRail opened Expressions of Interest for suppliers and construction partners for the Terminals Linkspan, Gangway and Marine Equipment Package, closing on 14 October. |