KiwiRail has been confirmed as the operator of New Zealand’s two new Cook Strait rail ferries, which will be named Kupe and Cook when they enter service in 2029.
Rail Minister Winston Peters said KiwiRail will operate the vessels under a commercial agreement for their planned 30-year lifespan, with the arrangement to be reviewed after 10 years. The Government said the decision maintains the integration of the country’s rail freight network and ferry services, while KiwiRail will pay commercial port fees to CentrePort and Port Marlborough for using upgraded infrastructure.
The Government has reaffirmed its contribution to the replacement programme will not exceed $1.7 billion, with construction of the ferries scheduled to begin in 2027 and delivery expected in 2029.
Peters said the project would save an estimated $2.3 billion compared with the cancelled iReX programme, which had been projected to cost between $3.1 billion and $4 billion. New marine infrastructure will be built in Picton, with upgrades in Wellington, while a special-purpose entity will co-own parts of the Picton assets. The Government said the programme is intended to preserve rail freight across Cook Strait, strengthen freight and passenger transport resilience, and establish a long-term funding pathway for future ferry replacements.
Very pleased to hear one of the new ships is being named after Captain James Cook and the rail connection is to continue. An incredible man who’s navigation skills and leadership was incredible.
Some comcerm the fee to cross the strait will be unaffordable for many..
The terminals are boring places to be. Not much for kids play and not much to eat, especially when there are delays.
Very appropriate that the two ferries are named after two explorers whose journeys resulted in the colonization of New Zealand at different times in history.