Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor has welcomed today’s announcement by the Minister for Rail Winston Peters confirming more details around the procurement of two new ferries to serve road and rail for Cook Strait by 2029.
“It is excellent to have the fixed price contract now confirmed between Ferry Holdings Limited and Guangzhou Shipyard International in China. This provides all involved with the clarity and certainty required for New Zealand, and for the port of Waitohi Picton. It is an important step forward.
“Marlborough District Council, working in support of our wholly owned subsidiary Port Marlborough New Zealand, looks forward to a bright future for the ferries in Picton. Marlborough has been the key South Island link in the north-south connection for generations and we look forward to Waitohi Picton continuing that vital role.
“In these times of economic challenge, I would also like to congratulate Minister Peters and Government on charting a prudent course to achieve the best financial outcome for taxpayers, including the commitment to “no-nonsense infrastructure” in both Waitohi Picton and Wellington.
“Once commercial details are agreed between Ferry Holdings Limited and Port Marlborough, Council will consult with our community about the on-lending requirement to Port Marlborough for their portion of the port infrastructure costs.
“I would like to thank the Minister, Government, Ferry Holdings Ltd, CentrePort, KiwiRail and the team at Port Marlborough who have worked diligently to see this project progress to delivery,” Mayor Taylor said.
In Waitohi Picton, the redevelopment project will deliver the infrastructure required to support the new vessels and to maintain continuity for all customers during construction.
This includes a new wharf, a new linkspan, upgrades to terminal connections, and the relocation and reuse of the existing passenger walkway. KiwiRail and NZTA are also progressing the new Dublin Street overbridge to improve safety and efficiency by separating road and rail movements.
Port Marlborough’s project team is carefully staging works to maintain business continuity across the port. This includes enabling works and operational planning to ensure customers remain supported through each phase.
“The ministerial announcement today on funding and procurement gives us a clear pathway forward. Our priority is to deliver the infrastructure for the next generation of Interislander vessels while keeping New Zealand’s supply chain moving smoothly. Cook Strait ferries are a critical link for the country, and Port Marlborough is ready,” Port Marlborough Chief Executive Rhys Welbourn said.
“As the South Island facilitator of New Zealand’s State Highway and main rail connection, we bring proven operational expertise, a complete and modern towage fleet, and a project team with deep engineering and infrastructure experience.
“Port Marlborough has managed ferry and cruise activity in the Sounds for many years, and that experience positions us well for what comes next. We are ready to progress and support the next stage of programme delivery,” Mr Welbourn said.
Go to today’s full release from Minister Peters on the Beehive website
