Ferry shutdown: More Bluebridge sailings cancelled

The fault on the Connemara ferry is taking longer to fix than expected. Photo / RNZ, Bill Hickman

By RNZ

More Bluebridge ferry sailings have been cancelled after a fault on one of its ships.

The technical fault on the Connemara meant last night’s Wellington to Picton 8.30pm service was cancelled.

Services today are also cancelled.

It is the latest in a string of canned sailings for the ship, which have lasted more than a week.

The Connemara usually sails up to four times daily between Wellington and Picton.

Bluebridge said there were limited options for re-booking.

StraitNZ Bluebridge apologised “unreservedly” on Friday for the disruption but would not elaborate on what the fault was, just that it was taking longer than anticipated to fix.

Maritime NZ confirmed it would undertake its own inspection of the vessel to ensure safety standards were being met, but did not provide a timeframe.

- RNZ