Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
Road freight association Transporting New Zealand says ensuring reliable Cook Strait capacity through to 2029 is a strong industry priority, following a major industry update in Blenheim yesterday.
The update, organised by Transporting New Zealand and supported by the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce, outlined how the new ferries and associated landside infrastructure will be delivered in 2029.
Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih said ensuring a safe and reliable Cook Strait ferry service was vital 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.
“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 said.
“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.”
Kalasih said that with the retirement of the Aratere and signs of economic recovery, 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.”
Kalasih said he was also pleased to hear how Ferry Holdings, KiwiRail, StraitNZ and Port Marlborough were all well aligned on the importance of delivering the landside infrastructure on time and working collaboratively together to do that.
“The last thing New Zealand needs is a Spirit of Tasmania scenario, where new ships arrive before the ports are ready to receive them.”
“Ensuring the ferry connection is safe, reliable and resilient remains a top priority for Transporting New Zealand. That has always been the focus of our advocacy to government, ferry providers and other key freight partners. We’re proud to be the group amplifying the voice of freight providers and their customers.”
The ferry update was followed by a facilities tour run by Port Marlborough, demonstrating that early works for the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project in Picton are well underway.
