Ferry Replacement Programme

Article written by Simon Cave – Sector Lead – Rail and Senior Principal – Project Management

The Ferry Replacement Programme (FRP) is one of New Zealand’s most significant transport infrastructure initiatives, supporting the introduction of a new fleet of interisland ferries and the long-term resilience of the national freight and passenger network. The Programme comprises several major stakeholders including Ferry Holdings Limited, Centreport, Port Marlborough and KiwiRail/Interislander. The KiwiRail led elements of the programme involves complex upgrades to rail yards, port interfaces, and associated infrastructure in Wellington and Picton to ensure seamless integration with new ferry assets while maintaining continuous interisland operations.

Vitruvius is proud to be playing a key role in FRP, providing specialist rail engineering, track and civil design, digital engineering, and project controls expertise to KiwiRail. Our team is embedded within the programme delivery environment, supporting the planning, design, staging, and assurance of critical rail infrastructure works at each terminals and adjoining networks, all with the target of bringing the new ferries into service in 2029.

Drawing on our experience delivering complex, operationally constrained rail projects across New Zealand, Vitruvius brings a strong focus on constructability, interface management, and safety in design. Our involvement spans early optioneering through to detailed and IFC design, helping KiwiRail manage risk, maintain operations, and prepare the network for future demands.

The Ferry Replacement Programme reflects Vitruvius’ commitment to delivering technically excellent, collaborative solutions on nationally significant infrastructure projects.