Date: |
03 Sep 2026, 12.00PM – 1.00PM |
duration: |
1 hr |
Location: |
Online |
Cost: |
Free event |
This webinar will outline the vessel design, navigation systems, safety and reliability features, and environmental performance initiatives being incorporated to support safe, resilient and future-ready operations in Cook Strait conditions.
The presentation also provides an update on programme delivery progress, including ship design development, maker selection, port construction activities, and the key milestones required to align ships, ports and operational readiness ahead of entry into service.
Presenter Bio:
Massimo Soprano is the Ships Programme Director at Ferry Holdings, leading the procurement and delivery of New Zealand’s next-generation, rail-enabled passenger and freight ferries, along with associated port infrastructure upgrades. He has over 30 years’ senior maritime and project leadership experience across government and industry in New Zealand, Australia, and internationally.
Massimo has directed complex vessel replacement programmes, with expertise in strategic procurement, contract negotiation, iwi partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and operational integration of large-scale transport infrastructure.
Join us for this presentation, providing an overview of the Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme, including the delivery of two new rail-enabled ferries and the supporting port infrastructure required for service entry in 2029.
This webinar will outline the vessel design, navigation systems, safety and reliability features, and environmental performance initiatives being incorporated to support safe, resilient and future-ready operations in Cook Strait conditions.
The presentation also provides an update on programme delivery progress, including ship design development, maker selection, port construction activities, and the key milestones required to align ships, ports and operational readiness ahead of entry into service.
Presenter Bio:
Massimo Soprano is the Ships Programme Director at Ferry Holdings, leading the procurement and delivery of New Zealand’s next-generation, rail-enabled passenger and freight ferries, along with associated port infrastructure upgrades. He has over 30 years’ senior maritime and project leadership experience across government and industry in New Zealand, Australia, and internationally.
Massimo has directed complex vessel replacement programmes, with expertise in strategic procurement, contract negotiation, iwi partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and operational integration of large-scale transport infrastructure.
