Picton awaits 'vast' project with upgraded ferry terminal

Tuesday, 10 December 2019

Three of the Interislander's ferries are too old and are in the process of being replaced with two larger ships which could accommodate trains as well. (File photo)

Big changes could be in the pipeline for Picton's ferry terminal, with new larger ships to replace the Interislander's three older ferries.

KiwiRail is looking to upgrade the older fleet in anticipation of more passengers and cargo in the coming years, and to ensure they comply with new emissions regulations.

That means new berths and accessways would be needed for the Picton terminal and rail and road transport routes could also need to be realligned.

KiwiRail's Interislander general manager Walter Rushbrook said the ferries were an essential national link for both road and rail users as extensions for State Highway 1.

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'We are planning for the future to ensure we have the capacity needed for future growth in passenger and vehicle numbers and in freight volumes,' Rushbrook said.

'While we are still at the very early feasibility stage of planning this project, we are keen to share what is known so far with the community and get their feedback.

KiwiRail and Port Marlborough were working closely with NZTA and Marlborough District Council for this project.

Interislander Ferry terminal's main entrance in Picton. KiwiRail is looking to upgrade the older fleet in anticipation of more passengers and cargo in the coming years, and to ensure they comply with new emissions regulations.

Port Marlborough chief executive Rhys Welbourn said the project was a great reason to review the ferry terminal's place within the popular seaside town.

'This project has the potential to be huge, to call it a major project is a vast understatement.

'It is a significant project locally, regionally for Marlborough and nationally for New Zealand,' Welbourn said.

'Redevelopment brings opportunities to better connect the ferry precinct with town, to re-think the location of cruise berths, better showcase Picton and Marlborough, and to generally take advantage of the benefits of new investment in KiwiRail's Cook Strait operations.

'All project partners understand the significance of the project to the town of Picton and wider Marlborough district. We're committed to sustainable development practices that deliver balanced social, environmental and economic benefits,' he said.

The wider community was invited to discuss the project at Picton Public Library on Thursday from 4pm to 7pm.

A location for a new dry dock for the repairs of large ships and replacing the small, old one in Devonport was being discussed in Cabinet this week, with Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones arguing Northport was best suited despite a lack of infrastructure such as rail links.

Welbourn told Stuff last year Picton's industrial port Shakespeare Bay was already set up as a 24/7 industrial port with rail links, and was the most suitable place for a new dry dock, in the centre of the country.

Kaikoura MP Stuart Smith said the dry dock could bring an estimated $38 million in regional income per year, as well as creating many jobs.

This week Welbourn said he stood by his statements, but Port Marlborough had not been consulted in relation to the paper currently before Cabinet, and the dry dock discussion was not part of the consultation process regarding the new ferry terminal.