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The Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme has entered its delivery phase following Government approval of key infrastructure, funding and commercial arrangements.
Ferry Holdings says the approvals allow major works to begin at both ports while the final design of the new rail-enabled ferries is completed ahead of construction starting in May 2027.
Chair Chris Mackenzie says the programme has reached an important milestone.
“It’s exciting for everyone involved that we’re now officially heading into the delivery phase of the programme as major works get underway at both ports and we enter the final stages of the ships’ design before construction begins in May 2027.”
The new ferries are scheduled to enter service in 2029 under the Government’s $1.7 billion funding package.
Chris says the project remains focused on delivering the vessels within the approved budget while adopting a maximum re-use approach for port infrastructure upgrades.
He says the new rail-enabled ferries will improve resilience, reliability and sustainability on one of New Zealand’s most important transport links.
