The Minister-in-charge has promised Interislander's ferries are safe until our new ones arrive.
The Government's announced specifications for two ships - rail enabled and larger than the current pair - for roll out by Christmas 2029.
Picton's port infrastructure will be replaced, but money will be saved by modifications and refurbishment in Wellington.
Previous plans were canned in 2023, after cost blowouts.
Minister for Rail Winston Peters says KiwiRail's given him an overview of the existing ships.
"They are very confident that these present utilities are going to be capable of going well past 2029."
LISTEN ABOVE
- Rail Minister Peters addresses $300 million break fee amid ferry negotiations
- 'The country needs it': Maritime Union hopeful new Cook Strait ferries can be secured
- Barry Soper: How Starmer flattered Donald Trump
- Christopher Luxon: 'structural challenges' are the obstacle in Supermarket issue
- 'Appalling': Winston Peters rebukes claims around cost of broken ferry deal
- Hyundai back in contention for Cook Strait ferries after Peters talks
- 'Extremely wasteful': Cook Strait ferry ministerial advisory group paid $300,000
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you