Strait-Feronia Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

In a recent transaction, Blue Bridge New Zealand has officially sold its ferry, the 'Strait Feronia', to new owners in Egypt. The vessel has undergone a rebranding and will now be known as the 'Pan Lily'. The ferry departed from Wellington on October 6, 2025, beginning its journey to Singapore, where it is expected to arrive by October 22. This change marks a significant transition for the vessel as it embarks on a new chapter under its new ownership. For more details, see the image here: https://scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/557598723_10162049358713932_6048367452444844350_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s600x600_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=aa7b47&_nc_ohc=4AGZSJxjQPAQ7kNvwGLX0XW&_nc_oc=AdnMqTVOwXAZazcy_IZvBTbmMd81f8L6fYVq1ZD-6X7Cr9j3FQp7DSCnuTL_xsjecYA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-fra3-1.xx&_nc_gid=roWBCeUAhJ_uM6HbTzFCUg&oh=00_AfcHURujt2pwFKvo3vOk7lorjE3H4bMkMBLfoK5TWo3oGA&oe=68E95F37.

On February 27, 2025, the 'Strait Feronia' faced unexpected mechanical issues, leading to the cancellation of its sailings. As a result, the ferry was docked in Wellington until the afternoon of February 28, leaving numerous passengers stranded in both Picton and Wellington. The ferry operator, Strait N-Z, expressed their apologies to affected travelers, offering them options for refunds or rebooking. Among those inconvenienced were equestrians and their horses, who were en route to the prestigious Horse of the Year event commencing on March 3 in Hawke's Bay. The 'Strait Feronia' had last operated on February 26 and is known for its schedule of four daily crossings – two from Wellington to Picton and two returning. Meanwhile, Bluebridge’s alternative vessel, the 'Connemara', continued its service without interruptions during this period.

On July 16, 2019, the ferry 'Strait Feronia' was involved in an allision with a dock in Picton, New Zealand, while attempting to berth under challenging windy conditions. The incident necessitated the immediate mobilization of repair teams to address damage to the floating link-span of the vessel. The collision not only impacted the wharf but also rendered the ferry unable to dock. Engineers were dispatched to evaluate the extent of the damages sustained by the 'Strait Feronia.' For safety reasons, the ferry was secured alongside Waitohi Wharf until assessments could be performed in the daylight hours. As a result of this incident, multiple Cook Strait sailings were cancelled, leading to significant disruptions for travelers.

The ferry vessel 'Strait Feronia' has been silently leaking oil into the Cook Strait, raising environmental concerns. Reports indicate that this minor leak, estimated at a maximum of five litres per day, has possibly persisted for several months without an effective solution in sight. The issue stems from a faulty stem tube seal, with the leakage varying intermittently. Bluebridge, the operator of the ferry, has been utilizing costly biodegradable lubricants in an effort to mitigate environmental impact until the problem can be permanently rectified. However, a comprehensive fix will necessitate a journey to a dry dock overseas, with the nearest suitable facility located in Sydney. Unfortunately, this naval dry dock is notoriously difficult to secure a booking, complicating the timeline for repairs.