Ferry Holdings Secures Contract for New Cook Strait Ferries

Ferry Holdings Limited is on course to enhance its operations with a new contract for two ferries designed for the Cook Strait. The announcement came from Rail Minister Winston Peters, who confirmed that a fixed price has been established for the construction of two 200-metre-long vessels. Each ferry will feature both road and rail decks and have the capacity to accommodate 1,500 passengers.

The Chair of Ferry Holdings, Chris Mackenzie, stated that final negotiations have commenced, with contracts expected to be finalized by the end of December 2023. In a conversation with broadcaster Mike Hosking, Mackenzie elaborated on the progress made, mentioning that a letter of intent has already been signed with the shipyard. He indicated that technical discussions are currently underway, paving the way for the official agreement to be signed.

The details regarding the shipyard responsible for the construction will be disclosed once the contracts are finalized. This project is expected to significantly improve interisland transportation, enhancing connectivity between the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

Ferry Holdings’ role as a preferred supplier highlights its strategic position in the maritime industry, particularly in the context of increasing demand for efficient and reliable ferry services in the region. The new ferries are anticipated to not only meet passenger needs but also bolster the capacity for freight transport across the strait.

With these developments, Ferry Holdings is set to play a pivotal role in the future of interisland travel, ensuring that both passenger and freight services are equipped to handle future demands. As negotiations continue, stakeholders remain optimistic about the positive impact of these new vessels on the local economy and tourism sector.