Cook Strait ferry troubles ramp up

AN EQUIPMENT problem that affected the StraitNZ Bluebridge ro-pax Connemara last evening (Thursday) saw passengers and freight forced to spend the night on the ferry in Wellington.

The vessel had departed at 2030 on its regular sailing to Picton and had left Wellington Harbour when passengers were told a mechanical problem had been detected and the ferry would need to return to port.

A problem with a winch meant the stern ramp could not be lowered. Bluebridge management was forced to summon two mobile cranes to resolve the situation, which did not complete until 1030 this morning.

A company spokesman told local media last night [8 December] the crew were working with specialist crane operators to lower the ramp which was taking time, resulting in passengers and freight remaining on the vessel overnight.

"We're doing everything we can to make the 200 passengers onboard as comfortable as possible accommodating them in cabins as available and serving refreshments, but we acknowledge that it is a huge inconvenience for everyone.”

He said Bluebridge apologised "unreservedly" to everyone affected and will work with each passenger to refund and reschedule.

"We are also adding an additional sailing of [Bluebridge’s other ferry] Livia (Friday) evening to accommodate these passengers," he said.

The company was extremely disappointed to have experienced a mechanical issue during peak travel period and was working as quickly as possible to get up and running again.

 "Unfortunately there is a flow on effect of having to cancel sailings at this time of year but we want our customers to know we are doing everything we can to get them across the Strait as soon as possible."

 StraitNZ has recently been offered for sale by owners Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, which were the underbidders for Bass Strait/Tasmania shipping and logistics company Strait Link. The successful buyer was Igneo.