THE NZ GOVERNMENT has launched a new search for a shipbuilder to construct two Cook Strait ferries for KiwiRail’s Interislander Line but has still not revealed whether they will be rail-enabled.

Deputy prime minister and rail minister Winston Peters announced this morning [4 February] that a “world-wide market engagement” is now in process to buy two new medium-sized ferries.

“The Government will immediately engage shipyards internationally, identifying those with the capability, capacity and interest to deliver new ferries by 2029,” Mr Peters said.

“This will narrow the list of potential ship builders to those able to strike a deal, ensuring no time is wasted when we issue the ship specifications later this year.”

At the same time, the Government is opening the process for eligible parties to put forward ideas for alternative procurement options to deliver ferry services.

“We announced in December that any better ideas than direct procurement of new ferries and port agreements for the enabling infrastructure will be heard. Interested parties should put their best foot forward now,” Mr Peters said.

The government says ideas for alternative procurement options will need to demonstrate:

  • the ability to deliver ferries in 2029 with appropriate freight and passenger capacity and that meet certain specified standards
  • the ability to provide confidence that any landside development necessary will support new ferries operating in 2029
  • capability and experience in the operation, financing and/or investment in maritime transport infrastructure
  • the ability to manage risks associated with the transition from current ferry operations to new arrangements
  • value for money on a whole of life basis, delivering an annual economic return, at less cost than a Government-led procurement

Finance minister Nicola Willis abandoned the former iReX ferry replacement process soon after the government came to power in December 2023 but has only recently decided on aspects of a way forward.

The NZ Treasury recently recruited former iReX Ships Programme Director Massimo Soprano as Ferry Procurement Lead for the latest iteration of the much-needed replacements, while KiwiRail faces a significantly higher annual maintenance bill to keep the three troublesome existing vessels in service.

Details on how maritime transport operators or infrastructure investors can register interest in providing ideas and receive further information are available on the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) website (www.gets.govt.nz).

The deadline for the written submission of ideas via GETS is 28 February 2025.