Government looks to narrow list of shipbuilders to strike a deal on new Cook Strait ferries

The Government is working to narrow the list of potential shipbuilders for new Cook Strait ferries so a deal can be struck swiftly when ministers agree on the type of vessels they want.

The future of Interislander’s ageing fleet hangs in the balance as Winston Peters, the new Minister for Rail who is now in charge of delivering the new ferries, is on the hunt for a better option than the one Finance Minister Nicola Willis has put on the table.

Peters issued a statement this morning saying the Government has started worldwide market engagement to buy new ferries.

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

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

The Government has also invited the private sector to submit alternative proposals for a ferry service that will be assessed alongside the procurement process in March.

Peters said the Government is now opening the process for eligible parties to put forward their ideas.

“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.”

Peters said alternative options must deliver the ferries by 2029 with appropriate freight and passenger capacity, provide confidence that the portside infrastructure will be ready in time and demonstrate value for money.

Further details on how maritime transport operators or infrastructure investors can register interest are available on the Government Electronic Tenders Service website.

The deadline for written submissions is the end of this month.

Ministers are then expected to take a paper to Cabinet in March outlining which shipyards expressed interest in building the new ships.

Cabinet is also expected to receive an update on alternative proposals at this time and decide whether to proceed with any of those ideas.

A final decision will then be made on the overall approach to procurement.

Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter who has a particular interest in local government, transport, and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a broadcast journalist.