New Ferries Operator Announced, Vessels Named

New Ferries Operator Announced, Vessels Named

Minister for Rail Winston Peters says the decision secures a practical, affordable, and enduring Cook Strait ferry service for the next generation and beyond.

New Cook Strait ferries named

The new 200m-long ships will be able to carry 1530 passengers and 70 crew. Photo:Supplied / Ferry Holdings By Giles Dexter of RNZ The two new Cook Strait ferries will be named Kupe and Cook.

Cook Strait Ferries Named Kupe and Cook

New Zealand's two replacement Cook Strait ferries will be named Kupe and Cook — and Minister for Rail Winston Peters is already bracing for the argument.Peters announced the names at Parliament, alongside confirmation that KiwiRail will operate both vessels for 30 years from their arrival in 2029. The ships are being built by Chinese state-backed shipbuilder Guangzhou Shipyard International, with construction due to start in 2027."These are prop…

Two new Cook Strait ferries to arrive in 2029

Rail Minister Winston Peters announces two new Cook Strait ferries, called 'Kupe' and 'Cook', will arrive in 2029 and be operated by KiwiRail