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Port Marlborough and StraitNZ Bluebridge have confirmed a 39-year commercial agreement securing StraitNZ’s Cook Strait ferry services through Waitohi Picton until 2064.
The agreement provides long-term certainty for StraitNZ’s operations in Picton and enables coordinated planning between the two organisations to support freight and passenger services across Cook Strait.
Port Marlborough chief executive Rhys Welbourn says the agreement reflects a mature commercial relationship and shared confidence in Waitohi Picton as the base for StraitNZ’s future operations.
“It has been great to work alongside StraitNZ, who have a clear vision for their operations and see Port Marlborough as a long-term strategic partner in their supply chain solutions for freight and passengers across Aotearoa.
“The agreement allows us to focus on delivering for our customers while planning with confidence for the decades ahead,” says Rhys.
StraitNZ chief executive Shane McMahon says the extension supports long-term operations and growth.
“The extension of this agreement with our valued partners at Port Marlborough demonstrates StraitNZ Bluebridge’s ongoing commitment to the critical Cook Strait link in Picton and we are excited by the opportunities ahead,” says Shane.
The agreement confirms Waitohi Picton as the long-term base for StraitNZ Bluebridge, supporting planning, investment confidence and continuity of service across Cook Strait over the next four decades.
