HFW appointed as maritime counsel for New Zealand ferry-building procurement

Global, sector-focused law firm HFW has been named as maritime counsel for Ferry Holdings Ltd in connection with their procurement, on behalf of the New Zealand Government, of the next generation of rail-enabled ro-pax ferries for use by state owned entity, Interislander, on their Wellington to Picton route.  The new ships are set to replace the ageing Interislander fleet by 2029.

Ferry Holdings Ltd has been incorporated by the New Zealand Government to oversee, coordinate and deliver the project on its behalf.  HFW will advise Ferry Holdings Ltd on all maritime law aspects of the project, including on the various contracts for the supply of goods and services to the project, the shortlisting and selection of the preferred ship yard, the negotiation of the shipbuilding contract and any financing arrangements which might be put in place.   

Six shipbuilders have been shortlisted for the construction of these ferries, with contracts with the chosen yard expected to be signed later this year following the conclusion of the tender process.

William MacLachlan, Partner, HFW:

“Our global multi-disciplinary ferry team is proud to have been appointed as maritime counsel on a project as significant and ambitious as this.”

“The proposed investment by the New Zealand Government in the renewal of the tonnage serving this vital strategic link demonstrates the continued importance of passenger and freight ferry services both in New Zealand and beyond. This project should enhance the connectivity and travel experience between New Zealand’s north and south islands for generations to come.  We look forward to supporting Ferry Holdings Ltd with the successful and timely delivery of this project.”

HFW’s multi-disciplinary ferry team is spread across its international network of 21 offices and supports the full spectrum of industry stakeholders including domestic and international large ferry operators and small lifeline services, as well as national, regional and local governments, banks and alternative investors, ship builders, designers and insurers. 

HFW’s ferry team forms a part of the firm’s global shipping practice, which comprises of over 220 shipping lawyers and 14 Master Mariners located throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, specialising in dry shipping disputes, admiralty and crisis management and asset finance and transactional work for clients across all sectors of the maritime industry.

HFW has more top-tier rankings for shipping in legal directories Chambers and The Legal 500 than any other law firm, and is ranked by The Times as one of the UK’s top maritime practices.