In order to modernize its fleet of ferries serving the Cook Strait, state-owned transport operator KiwiRail commissioned future-proof vessels. The Interislander service from KiwiRail links the State Highway and national rail networks of New Zealand between the capital city of Wellington on the North Island and Picton on the South Island.

Approximately 850,000 passengers, 250,000 cars and up to NZ$14 billion worth of freight annually are transported by the Interislander.

When KiwiRail released an Expression of Interest to foreign shipyards last year the search to find a preferred shipyard began. In the next few months, the selection of a successful shipyard is due to be completed.

If a shipyard has been confirmed, the Isle of Man Ship Registry will nominate and operate in collaboration with KiwiRail's chosen classification society, overseeing the construction process.

The two 220m RoPax ferries built by Denmark's OSK-ShipTech will each be capable of transporting approximately 1,900 passengers. They will also have a lane length of approximately 3,600 metres, allowing them to carry a combination of vehicles, including up to 40 60-foot rail cars.

The Isle of Man Ship Registry believes that in promoting a green agenda and supporting a global reduction in ship pollution, flag states have a vital role to play. It supports the 2050 goal of the International Maritime Organization to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and launched a Green Fee scheme in 2014, which provides financial incentives to ship owners who implement energy-efficient ship designs that reduce fuel consumption and air pollution.

Maritime Business World