Rail Minister Winston Peters announced that the Government has started the world-wide market engagement to buy two new medium-sized ferries to replace the Interislander fleet.
“The Government will immediately engage shipyards internationally, identifying those with the capability, capacity and interest to deliver new ferries by 2029,” said Peters.
“This will narrow the list of potential ship builders to those able to strike a deal, ensuring no time is wasted when we issue the ship specifications later this year.”
At the same time, the Government has opened the process for eligible parties to put forward ideas for alternative procurement options to deliver ferry services.
“We announced in December that any better ideas than direct procurement of new ferries and port agreements for the enabling infrastructure will be heard. Interested parties should put their best foot forward now.”
Peters added that ideas for alternative procurement options will need to demonstrate:
- the ability to deliver ferries in 2029 with appropriate freight and passenger capacity and that meet certain specified standards
- the ability to provide confidence that any landside development necessary will support new ferries operating in 2029
- capability and experience in the operation, financing and/or investment in maritime transport infrastructure
- the ability to manage risks associated with the transition from current ferry operations to new arrangements
- value for money on a whole-of-life basis, delivering an annual economic return, at less cost than a Government-led procurement
The deadline for the written submission of ideas via the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) is the 28th of February 2025.
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