BLog

Six shipbuilders shortlisted to deliver new Cook Strait ferries

Stay updated with the latest beauty tips, trends, and news from our salon experts. Our blog is your go-to source for all things beauty.

May 07, 2025
Blogs

Six shipbuilders shortlisted to deliver new Cook Strait ferries

Six shipbuilders have been shortlisted for the job of delivering the much-anticipated new Cook Strait ferries.

In March, Rail Minister Winston Peters announced that two new ferries would replace the aging Interislander fleet by 2029.

There would also be necessary upgrades for the Wellington and Picton ports.

It came after the Government pulled the plug on iReX due to cost blowouts, which was set to deliver new port-side infrastructure and two rail-enabled hybrid ferries.

Ferry Holdings Limited was created by the Government to lead contractual negotiations with shipyards and ports.

ADVERTISEMENT

Its chair Chris Mackenzie said that six shipyards have been shortlisted by its board to build the new ferries.

The ferry is being removed to make way for the construction of new port infrastructure. (Source: 1News)

Mackenzie said their management team had invited them to make bids ahead of contracts being signed later this year.

"Ferry Holdings has met with all shipyards virtually and shipyard visits are planned over the coming weeks, with Ferry Holdings represented by our Ship Programme Director."

The company has also made adviser selections for the ship procurement process.

These are naval architects Knud E Hansen, OSK Design for ship interior design, maritime lawyers Holman Fenwick Willan and shipbrokers BRS Shipbrokers.

More on this topic

Two new Cook Strait rail ferries to enter service in 2029 - Peters

The new ferries will be approximately 200m long and 28m wide, with capacity for 1500 passengers and 2.4km of lanes for cars, trucks, and 40 rail wagons each.

Politics

Mon, Mar 31

2:22

Cook Strait ferry Aratere to be retired ahead of Picton port upgrade

The ferry requires specific loading and unloading infrastructure so it cannot use the other Interislander wharf in Picton.

New Zealand

Wed, Apr 30

2:53

Ministerial group advises KiwiRail no longer run Cook Strait ferries

The group was set up after the Government declined KiwiRail's bid for more funding for the mega ferry project iRex.

Politics

July 11, 2024

2:39

Mackenzie said that the company was recruiting for a chief executive.

ADVERTISEMENT

rnz.co.nz