The road freight sector says maintaining reliable Cook Strait ferry capacity through to 2029 is a key industry priority, following a major ferry update in Blenheim.
The update, held on February 26 at Marlborough Events Centre, was organised by Transporting New Zealand and supported by the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce. It outlined plans for the delivery of new ferries and associated landside infrastructure in 2029.
Transporting New Zealand chief executive Dom Kalasih says a safe and reliable Cook Strait service is critical to the national supply chain.
“With approximately $30 billion worth of freight and thousands of people crossing the Strait every year, the ferry connection is an essential extension of State Highway 1,” Kalasih says.
He says reduced fleet availability during wet and dry dock periods is a concern for the road freight sector.
“When ferries are out of service during wet and dry dock periods, the fleet can be reduced to two or three vessels for months at a time. This is a concern for the road freight industry.”
Kalasih says the association welcomed moves to provide greater certainty around maintenance schedules.
“We’re pleased that KiwiRail proactively published its maintenance schedule to help our members manage demand. Bluebridge has stated it does not intend to dry dock either of its ferries this year.”
With the retirement of the Aratere and signs of economic recovery, Kalasih says businesses are already reporting pressure on freight capacity during peak periods.
“Ferry providers, the road freight industry and government will all have to work together to ensure adequate capacity across the Strait until 2029. This update was a step in the right direction.”
He says it was encouraging to hear Ferry Holdings, KiwiRail, StraitNZ and Port Marlborough were aligned on delivering landside infrastructure on time.
“The last thing New Zealand needs is a Spirit of Tasmania scenario, where new ships arrive before the ports are ready to receive them.”
Kalasih says ensuring the ferry connection is safe, reliable and resilient remains a top priority for the association’s advocacy work.
The Blenheim update was followed by a facilities tour hosted by Port Marlborough, showcasing early works under way for the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project in Picton.
