Bluebridge ferry the Connemara berthing at Picton wharf, helped by a tug, after earlier hitting the wharf while attempting to berth. Photo: RNZ/Anthony Phelps
The maritime watchdog says fuel supplied to a Bluebridge ferry that lost power met all regulatory standards despite the company's claims it was contaminated.
Last week, RNZ reported StraitNZ confirmed its ferry the Connemara lost power in the Cook Strait in September because of contaminated fuel.
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StraitNZ chief executive Shane McMahon said at the time it damaged the ship's fuel injectors, which caused the loss of power.
But a statement released on Friday by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Maritime NZ said testing of fuel supplied to the ferry between April and late July 2024 showed the fuel met all regulatory standards.
MBIE trading standards national manager Stephen O'Brien said the fuel was of good quality and fit for purpose.
"MBIE is confident in the quality of the fuel supplied to MV Connemara and it met the required performance and quality standards.
"We tested the representative fuel samples for fuel quality with a specific focus on microbiological contamination, which we found to be well within acceptable limits."
Maritime NZ regulatory operations deputy chief executive Deb Despard said the results would be added to their investigation into why the ferry lost power.
"If during our investigation we were made aware of analysis by MBIE that suggested there was a risk to fuel supply to maritime operations, we would have alerted the relevant stakeholders.
"Our investigations do not, and never will, prevent us from raising safety issues."
The MBIE statement said the results should give the public and marine fuel users confidence there were no ongoing risks with the fuel supply.
When approached by RNZ, StraitNZ said it had no new comment to make beyond its statement from last week.
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