New Zealand / Wellington Region

Bluebridge ferry Connemara berths after losing power

2024-10-11T20:36:50+13:00

Damage on the Connemara after it hit a wharf at Picton Photo: RNZ/Anthony Phelps

A Bluebridge ferry that lost power in Wellington Harbour has now berthed.

The Connemara lost power just after 5pm in one of its engines and had to anchor off the Mirimar Peninsula.

Power was eventually restored to the engine, while a tug boat remained on standby in case the ferry needed assistance to berth.

Deputy Harbour Master Patrick Atwood said the ferry had been anchored in Wellington Harbour near the northern tip of Miramar Peninsula.

He said he was not concerned because of the good conditions and location of the ferry.

"Conditions were quite good, the northerly came up a bit, should have been a good crossing today, there shouldn't have been any issues.

"But I was quite happy that she was safe.. being in the main harbour in these reasonably good conditions there was never concern from my part," Atwood said.

Bluebridge said: "There was a minor operational incident that delayed berthing."

There were 435 people onboard the ferry.

Earlier this month, the Connemara hit and damaged fendering on Waitohi Wharf in Picton while berthing.

Port Marlborough engineers and workshop team resolved the issue while the vessel lay at anchor in Queen Charlotte Sound.

Picton Harbourmaster Jake Oliver confirmed at the time he had been made aware that a Bluebridge ferry had "made contact" with the wharf, which was being fixed.