Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Connemara

**Title: 'Connemara' Ferry Detained by Maritime NZ Following Technical Issues** **Content:** On March 28, Maritime New Zealand took the significant step of detaining the ferry 'Connemara' at its berth in Wellington due to a technical malfunction that has led to the suspension of the vessel's services. The 'Connemara', typically known for its routine four daily crossings, has not operated across the Cook Strait since March 21. This disruption has left many passengers frustrated and urgently seeking alternative travel arrangements due to multiple cancelled sailings. The decision to detain the ferry was made following thorough findings from the inspection process conducted by Maritime NZ. StraitNZ Bluebridge, the ferry’s operator, has expressed optimism about resuming services, aiming to have the 'Connemara' back in operation by the evening of March 31 after necessary repairs are completed. Before the ferry can return to service, all identified issues must be fully resolved and verified by the ferry's classification society surveyor, as well as approved by its flag state, the Bahamas, alongside the inspectors from Maritime NZ. Once these conditions are met, the agency is expected to lift the detention.

**Title: Connemara Still Out of Service as Livia Faces Delays** **Content:** Maritime New Zealand has confirmed plans for an independent inspection of the ferry 'Connemara', which has been out of commission for an eighth consecutive day as of March 27. The agency's announcement emphasizes the commitment to safety standards, although specific timelines for the inspection remain undisclosed. In the meantime, Bluebridge has updated travelers via its website regarding the operational status of the remaining ferry, 'Livia'. Passengers are advised that 'Livia' is currently running four hours late, a delay attributed to the need to accommodate those passengers affected by 'Connemara's' extended inactivity. Bluebridge has been proactive in reaching out to customers through email and text alerts, providing updates on modified sailing schedules and final check-in times. As the situation develops, all sailings have been suspended from March 30 until March 31, with the expectation that 'Connemara' will not return to service until at least Tuesday evening. Passengers are urged to stay informed as further updates will be provided.

**Title: Technical Difficulties Force Suspension of Connemara Ferry Services** **Content:** The ferry 'Connemara' encountered technical difficulties on the morning of March 21, leading to the suspension of services between Picton and Wellington across the picturesque Cook Strait until March 22. Notable cancellations included the 8:15 a.m. sailing from Wellington to Picton on both days, along with the Picton to Wellington services originally set for 2:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on March 21, as well as the 2:00 p.m. sailing on March 22. Passengers affected by the disruption have been accommodated on alternative sailings arranged by Strait NZ while engineering teams work diligently to rectify the issue. Currently, the Connemara remains docked in Wellington, and Bluebridge has announced the cancellation of trips between Wellington and Picton through March 25. Further cancellations include the Picton to Wellington sailing scheduled for 2:00 p.m. and the Wellington to Picton service at 8:30 p.m. on March 24. Additionally, on March 25, the 2:30 a.m. Picton to Wellington sailing and the 8:15 a.m. Wellington to Picton trip have also been called off. Affected customers are receiving timely notifications via email and text, though they are facing limited options for rebooking their travel plans.

**Title: Technical Glitches Disrupt Ferry Services on 'Connemara' and 'Kaiārahi'** **Content:** The 'Connemara' ferry encountered a technical malfunction that led to the cancellation of services on March 12, 2026, and during the morning of March 13. Passengers were notably impacted by the cancellation of the 8:15 a.m. departure from Wellington, as the crew worked diligently to resolve the mechanical issue. To accommodate those affected, extra sailings have been scheduled for March 14, anticipating that repairs will be completed and services back to normal. For passengers whose travel plans were disrupted by these cancellations, the ferry company has automatically rebooked them onto alternate sailings, providing updated e-tickets reflecting the new departure times and check-in information. This incident follows a series of challenges faced by the Interislander ferry 'Kaiārahi', which had its sailings halted just days before due to persistent technical difficulties in Picton. The issues first emerged on March 7, when the 'Kaiārahi' experienced disruptions while berthing in Wellington. Despite safely docking, the ferry was forced to cancel several voyages as engineers conducted repairs and sea trials during a scheduled maintenance period. The vessel resumed operations on March 10, only to have the technical fault appear again later that evening in Picton after successful berthing. Stay tuned for further updates as both ferries work to ensure safe and reliable services for all passengers.

The' Connemara', operating betweem Wellington and Picton, had to return to Wellington shortly after departure. with 200 passengers on board. on Jan 8, 2026, at 8.30 p.m. following the discovery of a fault with the ramp. The crew was working with specialist crane operators to lower the ramp which was taking time, resulting in passengers and freight remaining on the vessel overnight. The passengers were accomodated as comfortable as possible and serving refreshments. There were eight cabins available for people onboard, so most were sleeping in the kitchen or on a recliner. The ramp was down on Jan 9 by 10 a.m. There would be an extra sailing on the 'Livia' on Jan 10 at 2 a.m. to accommodate the backlog. Reports with photos: https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-national/ferry-passengers-stranded-after-ramp-failed-rnz https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/passengers-stranded-after-ferry-ramp-fails-rnz

The 'Connemara' was stuck in Picton after an issue with the ramp has left passengers unable to disembark on Nov 19, 2025. The ferry left Wellington shortly after 8 a.m. and arrived in Picton just before midday. Staff had been working for 2.5 hours to free the back door ramp, the pins being stuck that lock the door into position. The engineers worked as quickly as possible to rectify the problem but it did mean passengers were delayed in disembarking the vessel. Report with photos: https://amp.rnz.co.nz/article/2ef7fe9a-20ea-4f58-9208-10dfd04318c5

A sailing of the 'Connemara' on Oct 12 has been cancelled yet again. The return freight sailing between Wellington and Picton had been cancelled on the night due to engineering checks in port taking longer than expected after the ferry lost power on one of its engines in Wellington Harbour on Oct 11.

On Oct 11 the 'Connemara' lost power just after 5 p.m. in one of its engines. The ferry was anchored in Wellington Harbour near the northern tip of Miramar Peninsula.The power was eventually restored, while a tug remained on standby in case the ferry needed assistance to berth. There were 435 people onboard the ferry.

The 'Connemara' allided with the Waitohi Wharf in Picton while berthing in strong winds on the morning of Oct 8. A strong wind gust caused the ferry to make contact with fendering on the wharf. There was no damage to the ship but that a fender attached to the wharf needed repairs. The ship was delayed from berthing while repairs were carried out. The ferry was doing laps before dropping anchor in the Queen Charlotte Sound. Report with photos and video: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/530153/bluebridge-ferry-connemara-damages-wharf-in-picton-in-berthing-mishap