SA transport company sails into NZ with big purchase
A South Australian transport leader has won a major Auckland ferry contract and purchased a local operator. The deal is set to net the business millions in new revenue.
Kelsian Group has been awarded new contracts by Auckland Transport under which it will operate passenger ferry services in Auckland, New Zealand.
The company has also purchased Auckland-based ferry operator Belaire Ferries for more than $7 million, the deal marking the SA-based company’s foray into New Zealand.
Kelsian, which also operates Adelaide Metro’s bus services, said the Auckland ferry contract, for services starting from July 1 next year, were expected to generate $83 million in revenue over the seven-year life of the contract.
“We are delighted to have secured our first contract in New Zealand reflecting Kelsian’s capability as a leading global multi-modal transport operator,” Kelsian CEO Graeme Legh said.
“This new long-term contract package, together with the acquisition of Belaire Ferries, establishes a strategically important platform that positions Kelsian to pursue further growth opportunities in the New Zealand market.”
Kelsian will operate and maintain a fleet of six vessels, comprising four currently owned by Belaire Ferries, and two existing Kelsian vessels which will be relocated from South-East Queensland to Auckland ahead of service commencement.
The Adelaide-headquartered company will also buy five new ferries over the seven year contract term to replace the initial ferry fleet, with the first new ship to enter service mid-2028.
The news comes after Kelsian’s SeaLink confirmed its new Kangaroo Island ferry service would commence in August this year.
Its new vessel, Wanggami, arrived in SA recently and the final build stages on its sister ship Ruwi were underway.
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SeaLink South Australia general manager Tracy Croft said the arrival of Wanggami marked an important step forward for the future of ferry services to KI.
“Welcoming Wanggami to South Australia has been a significant milestone for the SeaLink team, the Kangaroo Island community and everyone who relies on this essential service,” Croft said.
“The new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service represents the largest investment in the service’s history and is expected to deliver significant improvements in capacity, reliability and customer experience.”
“Our priority remains delivering a safe, reliable and well-planned transition that provides long-term benefits for residents, freight operators, businesses and visitors travelling to and from Kangaroo Island.”
SeaLink said the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service would commence on or before 23 September 2026.
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