Date: 2 July 2026
Auckland Transport (AT) has concluded its procurement and signed a contract for the provision of ferry services for the “Western Package” routes of the Auckland network for seven years from 1 July 2027.
A combined proposal from Belaire Ferries Limited and Kelsian Group’s marine division (SeaLink (Australia)) has been accepted to provide ferry services on the key routes between the Downtown Ferry Terminal and Bayswater, Birkenhead & Te Onewa (Northcote Point), West Harbour (the Western Package) along with Rakino Island.
“We are very happy with the overall proposal from Belaire Ferries and Kelsian Group and feel this is a great result for the many Aucklanders who commute from those areas by ferry every day,” says Stacey van der Putten, AT Chief Executive.
Chairperson of the Transport and Infrastructure Delivery Committee, Councillor Andy Baker is delighted with the signing.
“This contract secures the future of ferry travel for thousands of Aucklanders. We are a city built around harbours. Ferry travel helps take congestion off our roads and provides a crucial public transport service to many of our communities.”
The proposal is backed by the Kelsian Group, who deliver extensive public transport contracts across multiple modes globally.
Kelsian Group Chief Executive Officer Graeme Legh said the contract represented a significant long-term commitment to Auckland and the communities connected by the ferry network.
"We are delighted to have been selected by Auckland Transport, in partnership with Belaire Ferries, to operate Auckland's Western Package ferry services," Mr Legh said.
"Ferry services are about much more than moving people from one place to another. They help connect communities, support local economies, and provide access to the opportunities and services people rely on every day.
"We're proud to be making a long-term commitment to Auckland through our planned investment in five new vessels and look forward to working alongside Auckland Transport, Belaire Ferries and local communities to help deliver safe, reliable and accessible ferry services for years to come."
A staged renewal plan will see Belaire Ferries and Kelsian Group operate five new standardised 24-metre modern “Metro Class” ferries, that will improve reliability and reduce maintenance complexity.
“The new vessels utilise low-emission diesel engines with modular electric or hybrid retrofit capability, enabling a transition to lower or zero-emission operations as infrastructure and funding allow. This would support our Mission Electric plan to reduce emissions in our public transport fleet,” Ms van der Putten says.
The five new vessels will be progressively delivered during the contract term from 2028, and ownership will be transferred to Auckland Transport at the end of the contract in 2034.
The contract also enables the delivery of terminal improvements at West Harbour marina.
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