A ramp fault with a Bluebridge Cook Strait ferry has seen 200 passengers stranded on board in Wellington Harbour for more than 12 hours. 

BlueBridge confirmed the Connemara ferry’s 8.30pm sailing from Wellington to Picton last night was forced to return about 40 minutes into its journey after the issue was found. 

Crews are currently trying to lower the ramp with a crane. 

StraitNZ spokesman Will Dady said the company is “extremely disappointed”, and said passengers have been put up in cabins overnight and served “refreshments”. 

“We are also adding an additional sailing of the Livia this evening to accommodate these passengers,” he said, but acknowledged there will be flow on disruptions. 

More to come