Maritime NZ and the Maritime Union have expressed no concern for the crew anchored in Nelson aboard the former Interislander ferry, which recently arrived in Port Nelson for supplies after four months.

Additional Bluebridge Connemara ferry sailings have been cancelled in New Zealand after waterways regulator Maritime NZ delayed clearance for the ship, which was detained in Wellington following a recent inspection.

Maritime NZ has detained Bluebridge's Connemara ferry in Wellington following an inspection, 10 days after a technical fault had already forced the suspension of the ship's services.