The Minister-in-charge has promised Interislander's ferries are safe until our new ones arrive.

The Government's announced specifications for two ships - rail enabled and larger than the current pair - for roll out by Christmas 2029.

Picton's port infrastructure will be replaced, but money will be saved by modifications and refurbishment in Wellington.

Previous plans were canned in 2023, after cost blowouts.

Minister for Rail Winston Peters says KiwiRail's given him an overview of the existing ships.

"They are very confident that these present utilities are going to be capable of going well past 2029."

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