Interislander replacement ferries plan

The story so far

After the iRex project was abandoned over large cost increases, the government has been looking for replacement Cook Strait ferries, and a Horizon Research poll found nearly half of New Zealanders want them to be rail-enabled.^{10 Jan 2025} Rail Minister Winston Peters launched a worldwide search for two medium-sized vessels, aiming to narrow the field of shipbuilders quickly and meet a 2029 deadline, and officials considered alternatives to newly built ships.^{4 Feb 2025} The government appointed a board to Ferry Holdings Limited to negotiate procurement contracts for the two new Interislander ferries.^{17 Feb 2025} Shipbuilder Hyundai may bid again after meeting Peters in Seoul, though the government had earlier cancelled a $3 billion order with the company because of cost blowouts.^{1 Mar 2025} The government set aside $300 million to cover break-fees and broken infrastructure contracts arising from the Hyundai cancellation.^{4 Mar 2025}

What's next

Procurement for the two new vessels is expected to begin in April.^{31 Mar 2025} The new rail ferries are due to enter service in 2029.^{31 Mar 2025}

Key moments

1. 10 Jan 2025Poll finds nearly half of New Zealanders want rail-enabled Interislander ferries.
2. 4 Feb 2025Government launches worldwide search for two replacement Cook Strait ferries.
3. 1 Mar 2025Hyundai may bid again after meeting Peters; earlier $3 billion order was cancelled.
4. 4 Mar 2025Government sets aside $300 million for break-fees and broken infrastructure contracts.
5. 31 Mar 2025Peters unveils plan for two 200m rail ferries replacing the Interislander fleet.
6. 31 Mar 2025Ferries to enter service in 2029; procurement expected to begin next month.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.