Port Marlborough

Port Marlborough and StraitNZ Bluebridge sign long-term partnership agreement

PortPort Marlborough and StraitNZ Bluebridge have confirmed their long-term partnership through a new 39-year commercial agreement that secures the future of StraitNZ’s Cook Strait ferry services through Waitohi Picton to 2064. The agreement provides long-term certainty for StraitNZ’s operations in Picton and enables further coordinated planning for both businesses to support freight and passenger services across Cook Strait over the next four decades.

Port Marlborough Chief Executive Rhys Welbourn said the agreement reflects a mature commercial relationship and shared confidence in Waitohi Picton as the right base for StraitNZ’s future operations.

“It has been great to work alongside StraitNZ, who have a clear vision for their operations and see Port Marlborough as a long-term strategic partner in their supply chain solutions for freight and passengers across Aotearoa.

“The agreement allows us to focus on delivering for our customers while planning with confidence for the decades ahead.”

StraitNZ Chief Executive Shane McMahon welcomed the agreement as an important step in supporting long-term operations and growth.

“The extension of this agreement with our valued partners at Port Marlborough demonstrates StraitNZ Bluebridge’s ongoing commitment to the critical Cook Strait link in Picton and we are excited by the opportunities ahead.”

The agreement confirms Waitohi Picton as the long-term base for StraitNZ Bluebridge, supported by a forward-looking partnership that prioritises long-term planning, investment confidence and continuity of service across Cook Strait.

feb 18 2026