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Interislander Ferry Replacements: "We’re Continuing to Take Advice" Says Willis
Wellington, New Zealand – The ongoing debate surrounding the replacement of Interislander’s aging ferry fleet has taken a new turn, with a top government official acknowledging that advice from experts is being taken into consideration.
According to Radio New Zealand, Associate Transport Minister Jan-Willem Willis said that the government is continuing to seek guidance from various stakeholders, including the Maritime New Zealand, the International Maritime Organization, and industry experts.
"We’re continuing to take advice from those experts to make sure that we get it right," Willis told Radio New Zealand. "We’re working closely with Interislander to make sure that any replacement ferries meet their needs and also meet our safety and environmental standards."
The comments come as concerns mount over the condition of Interislander’s 20-year-old ferries, which have been facing issues with maintenance and reliability. The ferry service has been operating for over 90 years, and there are growing calls for new, more efficient, and environmentally friendly vessels to be introduced.
The replacement of Interislander’s ferries has been a topic of discussion for several years, with the government initially committing to invest in new vessels in 2017. However, the project has faced numerous delays and setbacks, including concerns over the cost and environmental impact of the new ferries.
The development has sparked debate among New Zealanders, with some calling for a more environmentally friendly and efficient solution, while others have expressed concerns over the potential cost to taxpayers.
As the government continues to weigh its options, Willis’ comments have sparked hope among those advocating for the replacement of Interislander’s aging ferries. However, many remain uncertain about the timeline and cost of the project.
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The coalition government has been considering advice on replacement options for the Interislander ferries for several months and it could be the end of the year before a decision is made.
But Finance Minister Nicola Willis says it would be "premature" to blame that on a difference of opinion amongst the three governing parties.
A project to replace the Interislander ferry fleet was cancelled by the government in December after it declined KiwiRail's request for further funding.
Two rail-enabled ferries were set to be delivered by 2026, but construction had not yet started, and a ministerial advisory group was tasked in February with coming up with an alternative plan.
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They’re taking advice now?
Doesn’t sound like their usual m.o.