North South Express announces world class consortium for a world class project

CB Port Limited spokesperson, Dr Stephen Grice today publicly announced a world class consortium to advance the North South Express at Clifford Bay, a multi-user ferry terminal and port.

The consortium members are Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, global construction and concession company, Acciona, global engineering firm, Arup, Danish-based nautical engineers OSK Design, Australasian legal firm, MinterEllisonRuddWatts and CB Port Limited.

“The consortium includes the skills and knowledge to deliver a world class project and world class gateway to the South Island that brings New Zealand closer together and delivers a step change in productivity in the transport and logistics sector,” says Dr Grice.

The North South Express is one hour closer to Christchurch and an hour and a half closer to Wellington which in addition to national benefits brings significant regional economic development benefits to Marlborough.

The North South Express is transformative for the economics of rail as it will eliminate the need to double head trains with additional locomotives to get to Picton and there is ample flat land to conduct efficient rail and freight operations on and off ferries.

Passengers will have a shorter and safer journey as the direct sailing route avoids the navigational hazards of Tory Channel and the south coast off Wellington.

“The North South Express consortium recognises the two new Government flagship policies of market led proposals and fast track approvals as they unlock innovation, productivity and new capital to deliver better services for all Kiwis.

“We have submitted a market led proposal to NIFFCO."

ENDS