Wellington Ferry Infrastructure Project

Working alongside Ferry Holdings Limited (FHL), KiwiRail, our role focuses on ensuring Wellington’s port is ready for new rail-enabled ferries due to arrive and enter service in 2029.

In addition to this work, CentrePort will continue to support both ferry operators with their future plans, ensuring freight and transport links across the Cook Strait remain intact.

Our role

CentrePort is specifically responsible for delivering the marine infrastructure required at Kaiwharawhara.

This includes:

• Upgrading and reconfiguring the existing wharf infrastructure
• Designing and building a new linkspan for ferry operations (in conjunction with Port Marlborough)
• Preparing the site for construction and future operations
• Supporting the wider programme through technical and commercial input

Our work focuses on maximum reuse of existing infrastructure, while ensuring what we deliver is fit for purpose for at least the next 30 years. However. there will be some new elements to support the new ships - a new linkspan that will connect vehicles and rail wagons with the ships.

Why This Matters

The Cook Strait connection is a vital link for New Zealand. It supports:

• ~3,800 sailings annually
• ~850,000 passengers per year
• ~250,000 vehicles transported
• Up to $14 billion in freight annually

This programme helps to ensure the network continues to meet the needs of New Zealand’s freight and supply chain, regional economies, and travellers into the future.

Part of the bigger picture

The Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme is nationally significant, so it's being led by Ferry Holdings Limited on behalf of the government.

CentrePort’s work, as a key partner, is one part of a much broader effort between Ferry Holdings Ltd, Port Marlborough, KiwiRail (and the Interislander by extension), the NZTA and local Councils. This work includes:

• Ferry procurement
• Ferry commissioning and operations
• Marine and landside works in both Wellington and Picton and
• National transport system integration (rail and road)

To ensure there's a coordinated approach, CentrePort is working closely with everyone involved to meet the government's needs and objectives. At the same time, we need to meet our organisational objectives as a private business and the needs of our shareholders, who represent the Wellington region.