Chinese shipyard selected to build new Cook Strait ferries

Tuesday 14 October 2025 · 6 outlets · 6 reports · updated Tue 14 Oct 2025, 4:34pm

In this story Winston Peters, Nicola Willis

Guangzhou Shipyard International has been chosen to construct two new 200m Interislander ferries. Rail Minister Winston Peters announced the selection as part of a national replacement programme. The vessels, which will accommodate 1500 passengers, are expected to arrive and enter service by 2029.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffTue 14 Oct 2025, 2:24pm

   New Cook Strait ferries to be built by large Chinese shipbuilding company (opens in new tab)

2. The Press via The PostTue 14 Oct 2025, 2:42pm

   Government to buy Interislander ferries from China (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsTue 14 Oct 2025, 2:46pm

   Govt confirms shipyard for new Cook Strait ferries (opens in new tab)

4. RNZTue 14 Oct 2025, 3:37pm

   Shipbuilder for new Interislander ferries announced (opens in new tab)

5. Otago Daily TimesTue 14 Oct 2025, 4:11pm

   Shipbuilder for new Cook Strait ferries announced (opens in new tab)

6. NZ HeraldTue 14 Oct 2025, 4:34pm

   Government announces shipbuilder for new Interislander ferries (opens in new tab)