31 March 2025 MEDIA RELEASE Port Marlborough welcomes government announcement on new ferry decision Port Marlborough is pleased to acknowledge the Government’s announcement today with the news that cabinet has confirmed the plan for two new rail ferries to enter service in 2029. For the past 15 months following the cancellation of the iReX project, Port Marlborough has collaborated with government to develop options that will ensure a resilient and future-proofed Cook Strait connection. This has been a complex process, involving many iterations and interactions with multiple stakeholders to allow Ministers to make a decision with the best information available. The Cook Strait ferry connection is essential to New Zealand’s transport network, enabling the movement of more than 1 million passengers, 3 million lane metres of freight (equivalent to around 500,000 TEU), and 400,000 private vehicles each year between the North and South Islands. Port Marlborough’s strategic approach is focused on sustainable infrastructure that supports long-term regional prosperity and national connection. Rhys Welbourn, Chief Executive of Port Marlborough said: “This is a significant step forward in progressing a solution for Cook Strait that serves the whole country. Now we have certainty over the type of ferries that will arrive, we can progress with detailed design and commercial negotiations to ensure we have the right infrastructure that will meet the needs of New Zealand’s supply chain, deliver for our customers and community, and will protect the unique environment we operate in.” ## Ends ## About Port Marlborough Port Marlborough is a key maritime gateway for Te Tau Ihu, facilitating the SH1 inter-island link, and movement of South Island trade, providing critical logistics, marine, port, and marina services. Operating from Picton, Havelock, Waikawa and remote Marlborough Sounds Sites, Port Marlborough supports a diverse range of industries, including Inter- Island ferries, export cargo, tourism, cruise industry, aquaculture, forestry, and the marine sector. The port handles over 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually and operates one of the largest marina businesses in the Southern Hemisphere through its subsidiary Marlborough Sounds Marinas. Additionally, the port manages pilotage, towage, berthing logistics for shipping throughout the Marlborough Sounds and delivers success to the region through its strategy of balancing the needs of People, Planet, Prosperity and Partnerships. The port is committed to delivering value to Marlborough’s industries while prioritising sustainability and long-term economic growth. For Media Enquiries contact Connie Smith | GM Communications, Port Marlborough NZ Ltd, 027 404 6135 connie.smith@pmnz.co.nz
