A report prepared by consultant and former Port Nelson general manager Stuart Hughes has found that a proposed Wellington-Nelson ferry link between New Zealand's main islands is unlikely to be commercially viable.
Commissioned by the Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency, Mr Hughes' research indicated there is insufficient freight on the route – most of Nelson's goods coming from Auckland via Christchurch – and an insufficient volume of passengers.
Having canvassed about a dozen stakeholders, the report found that such a service would likely entail only one daily return crossing given the journey time and the current two Cook Strait operators were unlikely to take the commercial risk.
The link had been suggested by Nelson city councillor Eric Davy as the Government investigates moving the existing Picton Interislander ferry terminal to Clifford Bay, south of Blenheim.
However, Mr Hughes' report also found that a move to Clifford Bay would add travel costs to the Nelson freight and passenger journeys across Cook Strait.
Iain MacIntyre
