Study to look at new inter-island terminal
The trip between the North and South Islands may become shorter with plans to introduce a new ferry terminal in Marlborough's Clifford Bay.
The trip between the North and South Islands may become shorter with plans to introduce a new ferry terminal in Marlborough's Clifford Bay.
KiwiRail has done some preliminary analysis for a terminal at Clifford Bay, and the Ministry of Transport has now been asked to look at the economic, environmental and social impacts of establishing the terminal.
"Clifford Bay has been floated a number of times in the past. A thorough investigation will evaluate the potential it has to add to the New Zealand growth story," Transport Minister Steven Joyce said.
The study is expected to take two months.
Mr Joyce said the proposed terminal would cut 30 minutes off the ferry trip between North and South Islands. A road trip from Wellington to Christchurch would be 50 minutes shorter, and a rail trip 80 minutes shorter.
Mr Joyce said the project could be a prime candidate for a Public Private Partnership.
"KiwiRail would not have the resources on its own to build and operate the facility," he said.
"It's the sort of facility that could provide a steady long term revenue stream to infrastructure investors."
If commissioned, building was expected to take 2-1/2 years.
NZPA and NBR staff
Mon, 09 May 2011
Mon, 09 May 2011
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Study to look at new inter-island terminal
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