New Bluebridge Ferry Arrives In Wellington

MV Connemara, the newest and largest addition to the StraitNZ Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries' fleet, arrived in Wellington from Europe yesterday (Sunday).

Following a 40-day journey from France via the Panama Canal, the Connemara, purchased from the Stena Group, will begin service carrying freight and passengers on Cook Strait on 15 February 2023.

Bluebridge spokesperson Will Dady says the Connemara is an important addition to the Bluebridge fleet and to New Zealand’s transport infrastructure network.

‘The Connemara increases our lane metre freight capacity by around 30% and this, along with its passenger capacity of up to 500 people, will help us meet increasing demand for transport services between the two islands and help keep the country’s transport network flowing.”

Launched in 2007, the ship is an Italian built Visentini class vessel, the same as the Strait Feronia. Most recently, the Connemara sailed between Ireland, Spain and France for Brittany Ferries.

The Connemara will be Bluebridge’s largest, fastest, and newest ship and will offer more private cabins, better access to vehicles from the passenger decks and more hospitality.

Mr Dady says the ship also has a treat for dog owners with the addition of Cook Strait’s first dog friendly cabins to Bluebridge’s offering.

“We know that many of our customers travelling with dogs, prefer to have them close during sailings and the Connemara allows us to offer a limited number of designated dog friendly cabins.”

Customers booking a dog friendly cabin will have separate access from the vehicle decks that avoid the main passenger areas and all dogs will be on leads when outside the cabins. A separate outside area will also be available to dogs and owners during sailings.

Mr Dady says he expects the ship will be well received by freight and passenger customers.

“The Connemara’s acquisition is a direct response to demand from both our freight customers and the travelling public and we’re looking forward to introducing her when she joins service next month.”

FAST FACTS ABOUT THE CONNEMARA

- 187 metres long

- Gross Tonnage 27414

- Up to 500 passengers

- 120 Cabins (including a few dog friendly ones)

- Escalator access from main vehicle deck

- Most recently operated by Brittany Ferries

Attached - links to an image and video of the Connemara as she arrived in Wellington yesterday:

Image - https://www.dropbox.com/s/f7h9tmnnz70y3yr/2023.01.29.%20StraitNZ%20Connemara%20Arrival%20Mediapic.jpg?dl=0

Video – https://www.dropbox.com/s/6m77hbax8nx5l2f/Bluebridge%20Cook%20Strait%20Ferries%20-%20Connemara%20Arrival%2029%20Jan%202023.mp4?dl=0

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