Bluebridge Connemara ferry hits wharf in Picton in strong winds

Bluebridge's Connemara ferry. Photo / Tim Cuff

Strait NZ’s Bluebridge Connemara ferry has berthed in Picton after hitting a wharf there earlier today.

Marlborough harbourmaster Jake Oliver told the Herald the incident appeared to be caused by strong winds as opposed to a problem with the ferry.

“She contacted the wharf during her berthing today so there’s a little bit of damage on the wharf but having spoken to the master, there is no notable damage to the ship – just a bit of scraped paint.”

Connemara was able to berth on Tuesday afternoon after hitting a wharf at Picton.

Connemara waited in Marlborough Sounds while damage to the wharf’s fender was repaired, Oliver said.

The ferry has now returned to Picton after being escorted in by tug boat.

A passenger said they couldn’t feel anything when the ship hit the wharf at about 11.30am.

“We were all in vehicles waiting to get off [and] had to leave vehicles and go back up.”

A tug could be seen alongside Connemara to help it back in to berth.

The passenger said the ship’s captain told them what happened and the staff on board had been “amazing”.

StraitNZ Bluebridge spokesman Will Dady confirmed a strong gust of wind caused Connemara to make contact with the wharf.

“Wind does cause issues when berthing in Picton from time to time.

“We apologise to the passengers onboard for this inconvenience.”

Maritime NZ said it has been contacted by Bluebridge about minor damage to the wharf.

The view from Bluebridge's Connemara ferry waiting in Marlborough Sounds.

It comes after the same ferry lost power in Cook Strait last month and started drifting before being towed back to Wellington.

In August, Interislander’s Aratere ferry hit a linkspan in Wellington while it was docking in strong winds.

The hull was damaged but well above the water line and there were no injuries or oil leaks.

Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter who has a particular interest in local government, transport, and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a broadcast journalist.