Interislander freight capacity assessment and allocations Feb 2026
Outlines how we will manage freight capacity while our vessels undergo scheduled maintenance.
Kia ora,
On 19 December 2025, we shared our Interislander Transition Period Maintenance and Business Continuity Plan, outlining how we will manage freight capacity while our vessels undergo scheduled maintenance.
As a reminder:
Kaiārahi will enter wet dock maintenance from Monday 22 June to Monday 13 July. Kaitaki will follow with dry dock from 18 July to Saturday 26 September.
You can view the full plan here.
Freight capacity assessment and allocations
We continue to work through the process of assessing and allocating available capacity. This work is based on existing demand as a baseline, with a clear focus on prioritising contracted volumes, and ensuring time sensitive freight is accommodated within available capacity.
Next Steps: March allocation discussions
In early March, your Key Account Executive will contact you to share proposed allocations. They will work closely with you to plan and manage your freight requirements throughout this period of reduced capacity.
Support for customers using coastal shipping
For any customers moving to coastal shipping during Interislander’s planned maintenance periods, KiwiRail will be relaunching our NZ Connect coastal service for our existing domestic customers. This will enable preferential rail rates and access of capacity to coastal shipping services. More information on NZ Connect will be shared soon.
Thank you
We appreciate your ongoing cooperation and support as we work hard to maintain reliable freight movements across Cook Strait during this essential maintenance period. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact your Key Account Executive.
Ngā mihi,
KiwiRail Freight Team