Contaminated fuel caused power loss on Bluebridge Ferry

Last month the Bluebridge ferry Connemara lost power while crossing the Cook Strait due to contaminated fuel, as confirmed by StraitNZ, the ferry’s owner.

The incident, which left the vessel drifting for over two hours and required tugboat assistance, was initially under investigation by Maritime NZ. StraitNZ had previously refrained from commenting on the cause but has now disclosed that fuel contamination was the primary factor behind the mechanical failure. The contamination damaged the ferry’s fuel injectors, leading to the power outage.

StraitNZ’s CEO, Shane McMahon told state media that the issue had been resolved with injector repairs and the use of a biocide additive to clear the contamination. While the exact source of the contaminated fuel remains unknown, investigations are ongoing in collaboration with authorities and the fuel supplier. Subsequent fuel samples taken from the ship and supply have shown no further contamination.