Mainfreight praises 'logical, sensible decision' to go with rail ferries

The current, temporary Interislander terminal at Port Marlborough isn't temporary any more. (Image: Supplied)

Tue, 01 Apr 2025

Freight companies and the ports on either side of the Cook Strait are welcoming the certainty provided by a Government decision to buy two new rail ferries.On Monday, Rail Minister Winston Peters announced that Ferry Holdings would approach shortlisted shipyards in April to put in their tenders to build two 200-metre ferries.The ships are 20m shorter than the ferries KiwiRail had contracted to buy from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard for $551m, but both designs allow for rail freight to be driven directly onto the ships via linkspans.Peters didn&rsq...

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