New ferry terminal proposal floated

A new quake-resistant Cook Strait ferry terminal is being planned for Wellington, with floating drawbridges connecting boats to the shore.

The plans, for the existing Interislander terminal site in Kaiwharawhara, have been developed by Wellington port company CentrePort, and have the backing of both the Interislander and Bluebridge ferry companies.

A key feature would be floating ‘‘linkspans’’ or drawbridges connecting boats to the terminal, which would safeguard against changes in water level.

There would also be improvements to the ‘‘confusing’’ state highway network near the existing terminal, and direct rail and bus links.

The design plans for the Northern Gateway project, included in CentrePort’s 2017 annual report, state the terminal would help improve resilience across New Zealand’s transport network and streamline transport links in Wellington.

A steering group made up of several interested parties has been established to drive the project.

‘‘The Northern Gateway is conceptual at this point, but key considerations as part of the design will be a modern, 21st-century, resilient, multi-modal terminal,’’ CentrePort spokesman Raphael Hilbron said.

‘‘The ferry terminal is considered a critical piece of infrastructure to New Zealand and the Wellington region to enable the Cook Strait ferry trade and, in particular, for a response in a major natural disaster.’’

Interislander general manager of operations Mark Thompson said both Wellington and New Zealand were exposed by the November 2016 Kaiko¯ura earthquake, which damaged the port, and resilience needed to improve.

‘‘The project is still in a conceptual stage, and we look forward to receiving more details from CentrePort as they become available,’’ he said.

‘‘Once a formal business case is presented, details around costs, timelines and implications for Interislander services will become clearer.’’

Annual passenger ferry trips are expected to rise from 1.1 million at present to 1.7m by 2025. CentrePort also oversees the movement of $15-20 billion in freight across Cook Strait each year.

Ferries and bulk general manager Andrew Steele said a streamlined terminal would simplify the crossing for domestic and international travellers, providing an economic boost to Wellington and New Zealand.

Thompson was quoted in the port company’s annual report saying Interislander welcomed any initiative that would improve resilience.

‘‘We believe a new, integrated ferry terminal at Kaiwharawhara makes sense.’’

Wellington Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Milford said the idea was ‘‘excellent’’ and provided an opportunity to enhance Wellington’s earthquake readiness and make way for a vibrant link between the city and port.

He said there was a lot of support behind the initial plans and it was likely to see improvements begin within five years.

‘‘This is an opportunity to reassess the whole port harbour layout.

‘‘Out of adversity comes opportunities and I think that’s what we should grasp.’’

Bluebridge and Straight Shipping group chief executive Louise Struthers said a well-designed, purpose-built facility with better access to Wellington city and State Highway 1 would be a welcome move.

No timeframes had been set for the project, and it was not known how much it might cost.