It is setting up a company to procure two new vessels for crossing the Cook Strait - aiming to set sail in 2029.
The Government's been exploring alternatives since scrapping plans for two rail-enabled mega-ferries and upgraded port infrastructure about a year ago - blaming cost over-runs.
It's not revealing the break-free cost from that contract.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis says she won't disclose their maximum budget - because that would invite tenders to climb to that number.
