The new ferries will replace the ageing Interislander fleet. Photo: Getty Images / Hagen Hopkins
Six shipbuilders have been shortlisted for the job of delivering the much-anticipated new Cook Strait ferries.
In March, Rail Minister Winston Peters announced that two new ferries would replace the aging Interislander fleet by 2029.
There would also be necessary upgrades for the Wellington and Picton ports.
It came after the government pulled the plug on iReX due to cost blowouts, which was set to deliver new port side infrastructure and two rail enabled hybrid ferries.
Ferry Holdings Limited was created by the government to lead contractual negotiations with shipyards and ports.
Its chair Chris Mackenzie said that six shipyards have been shortlisted by its board to build the new ferries.
Mackenzie said their management team had invited them to make bids ahead of contracts being signed later this year.
"Ferry Holdings has met with all shipyards virtually and shipyard visits are planned over the coming weeks, with Ferry Holdings represented by our Ship Programme Director."
The company has also made advisor selections for the ship procurement process.
These are naval architects Knud E Hansen, OSK Design for ship interior design, maritime lawyers Holman Fenwick Willan and shipbrokers BRS Shipbrokers.
Mackenzie said that the company was recruiting for a chief executive.
