Cook Strait Ferries Infrastructure Project
Delivering safe, reliable and affordable Cook Strait ferry services
Te Moana o Raukawakawa/the Cook Strait crossing, is a vital part of New Zealand’s transport and tourism infrastructure, and one of the world’s most beautiful ferry journeys.
CentrePort, along with Port Marlborough, Ferry Holdings and KiwiRail, is working to deliver the key infrastructure requirements needed for new rail enabled ferries that the Government is purchasing to replace the ageing fleet currently in operation.
CentrePort’s role in the ferry project is to deliver the necessary marine infrastructure that is needed at Kaiwharawhara to support the operation of the new ferries.
This infrastructure will be based on the maximum reuse of existing infrastructure alongside construction of a new linkspan and linkspan structures for the ferries.
CentrePort’s project includes site preparation to clear site for construction and subsequent operations, gaining necessary consents, and to work with ferry project partners to deliver a successful outcome.
Timeframes
Work will be carried out in several phases leading up to the delivery, commissioning, and operational transition to the new ferries. The expectation is that this work will be completed in time for the arrival of new ships in 2029.
Broadly speaking, the three major phases are:
NOW: Design, consenting, and approvals
NEXT: Early works, including enabling works and site preparation, Main construction activity of marine infrastructure.
We’re currently planning for site preparation work, due to begin this month, which some people may notice, starting with removing some structures and geotechnical testing.
More information will be provided soon about the main construction activity.
Want to know more?
The Interislander operates 3,800 services and transports about 850,000 passengers, 250,000 cars and up to $14 billion worth of freight, every year.
With these numbers are expected to increase, it’s clear to understand why we are in need of new ferries and appropriate infrastructure to support them.
If you’d like to know more about the project to deliver safe, reliable and affordable Cook Strait ferry services for all New Zealanders by 2029, please check out the Ferry Holdings website below.
