From Wellington.Scoop on January 10th 2026:

Bluebridge troubles continue; crossings cancelled after ramp fault – More Bluebridge ferry services are being cancelled since a winch problem left passengers stranded overnight on the Connemara in Wellington Two hundred passengers spent about 15 hours on the vessel after Thursday’s 8.30pm Wellington to Picton service had to return to the capital shortly after departure following the discovery of a fault with the ramp. After the ramp problem, two scheduled Bluebridge crossings were cancelled – yesterday’s 2pm Picton to Wellington, and this morning’s 2.30am Picton to Wellington. More cancellations were expected.

https://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=176968

The above on its own would be enough for a ‘ferry fiasco’ report in Scotland’s media but you see the ‘troubles continue’ above? How bad is it?

Just in the last 2 years:

• November 8, 2023 — Collision with Glasgow Wharf while departing Wellington. The ferry sustained a “decent dent” in the hull and a small hole above the waterline. It was turned back, repaired, and returned to service the same day.
• September 19, 2024 — Major power outage (blackout) shortly after departing Wellington, attributed to contaminated fuel. The ferry drifted in Cook Strait [Sinclair Head] for over two hours with 88 people on board (mostly crew, as it was a freight-focused sailing). Tugs (Tapuhi and Tiaki) towed it back to Wellington. Maritime New Zealand detained the vessel temporarily for investigation and required fixes before it resumed service.
• October 8, 2024 — Collision with the wharf in Picton while berthing, caused by strong winds pushing the vessel off course. It damaged the wharf’s fender/structure (described as a “thud” impact), with only minor damage to the ferry itself. No injuries occurred. The ferry waited in the Marlborough Sounds while repairs were made to the wharf, then returned under tug escort.
• October 11–16, 2024 — Engine issue (one engine lost power) while approaching Wellington from Picton, with 435–455 people on board. The ferry dropped anchor near the Miramar Peninsula for safety; the problem was resolved, and it berthed with brief delay (described by the company as a “minor operational issue”). A tug was on standby.
• January 7–8, 2026 — Mechanical fault with the ship’s ramp (vehicle loading/unloading ramp) shortly after departing Wellington to Picton (around 40 minutes into the journey). The sailing returned to Wellington, leaving approximately 200 passengers stranded on board overnight (nearly 12–14 hours) in the harbour due to the unresolved issue. Disembarkation occurred the next morning, with flow-on cancellations and disruptions (e.g., additional sailings added on the sister ship Livia). This was reported as the second such ramp issue in recent months (with a prior one in late November 2025 mentioned in coverage). https://x.com/i/grok?conversation=2010057962660999199

Two collisions, two mechanical breakdowns and drifting powerless near a rocky headland, all in two years. Can you imagine the reaction in Scotland? And she’s only 19 years-old.

None of the above incidents or the sequence of them was ever blamed on the New Zealand government.