New Bluebridge ferry sails into Wellington – Finlay Dunseath 14:24, Jan 30 2023

The newest addition to Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries fleet has arrived in Wellington and it comes with new options for pet owners.

MV Connemara reached Wellington on Sunday following a 40-day journey from France via the Panama Canal. The ship is expected to join Bluebridge’s working fleet next month.

Bluebridge spokesperson Will Dady said the Connemara was now the “largest, fastest and newest ship” in the fleet.

The ship would offer 120 private cabins, more hospitality and allow for easier passenger access to vehicles, Dady said.

The ship is an Italian-built Visentini class vessel, the same as Bluebridge’s existing MS Strait Feronia, and was launched in 2007. It had most recently sailed between Ireland, Spain and France for Brittany Ferries.

The purchase of the ship was a direct response to increased demand from freight clients and the travelling public, Dady said.

He said the Connemara would be an important addition to not just the company’s fleet but the nation’s transport network.

The new ship will boost freight capacity by about a third and will carry up to 500 people.

That will, Dady said, “will help us meet increasing demand for transport services between the two islands and help keep the country’s transport network flowing”.

The ship would also offer a new option for those travelling with their dogs, he said.

“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.”

Those customers booking a dog-friendly cabin would have separate access from vehicle decks, avoiding main passenger areas.

All dogs would be required to be on leads when outside their cabins, while a separate outside area would be available to dogs and owners during sailings.