Picton tourism operators are welcoming the possibility of a new and bigger Toll Shipping ferry being introduced on the interisland route.

It is understood Toll Shipping is poised to secure a 1600-passenger ferry, complete with sleeping facilities, to sail Cook Strait.

The Australian-owned company has confirmed it is close to signing off a deal that will provide a new ferry by early next year, although it will not say what vessel that will be.

However, Toll is believed to be in the process of agreeing to use former English Channel ferry Pride of Cherbourg - now named Stena Challenger.

Destination Marlborough chief executive Paul Yeo said today moves by any operator to invest in Cook Strait services were always welcomed by the region's tourism industry.

He said with many sailings in the peak season often booked out, a larger ferry carrying 1600 passengers would help ease pressure and transport more people at key times.

The Yacht Club hotel and conference centre managing director Marty Fuller said the larger ferry would bring more people through Picton, which would be good news for the town.

He said a larger ferry with more facilities might make the trip more memorable for overseas tourists in the country.

"Over the peak tourist time (the ferries) are stretched. If people experience comfort, then it enhances their experience of New Zealand."

Picton Lodge Backpackers owner Mike Hignett agreed the move to a bigger ferry would help ease pressure on summer sailings.

He said it would be good if such a ship replaced the troubled Aratere ferry, which had resulted in a lot of disruptions for travellers.

The news of the new ferry comes as the Interislander ferry Aratere was to resume sailing with passengers from this morning, after the Maritime Safety Authority impounded it in Picton early last month with steering problems.

A P&O fact sheet says the Stena Challenger can carry up to 1660 passengers and 600 cars but is not set up to take trains. It also has 132 beds.

The ship's 1600-passenger capacity would be a potential cash cow for Toll, with present ferries Arahura and Aratere having capacity for only 975 and 350 passengers respectively.

The planned new ship is about 30m longer and 4m wider than the Aratere.

Industry sources said the wide beam meant a new terminal would probably have to be built in Wellington, though there could be some interim use of the Lynx ferry terminal.

The effect the larger vessel would have on the ferry terminal at Picton is unclear, however.

Port Marlborough and Toll Shipping were remaining tight lipped this morning about the issue, with the Port's chief executive Sean Bolt unavailable for comment.