Environmental Bulletin 08-2021: New Zealand- Advisory and Webinar on Biofouling Requirements to avoid further delays in view of congestion at New Zealand’s ports.
Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) has issued an advisory recommending vessel operators to take proactive steps to ensure that their vessels have a clean hull and that they keep BNZ informed of any disruptions to their itinerary to avoid further delays in view of ongoing congestion issues at New Zealand’s ports. Members can refer to https://www.mpi.govt.nz/import/border-clearance/ships-and-boats-border-clearance/biofouling/biofouling-management/ for reference.
BNZ advises that vessels take the following steps to ensure that their requirements are met:
Before arrival:
• Ensure the vessel meets the requirements – e.g. clean the hull prior to departure if needed, and make sure the required information is current and available;
• If unsure, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. prior to departing for New Zealand to understand the vessel’s compliance with the requirements – this will provide sufficient time to take any actions necessary to either show compliance or become compliant;
After arrival:
• Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..nz and the relevant Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)’s port office when it becomes apparent that a delay is likely;
• Provide up to date information showing evidence of compliance when the vessel’s stay exceeds 20 days – this allows BNZ to effectively assess any risks vessels may pose and give vessel operators sufficient time to factor any necessary biofouling management actions into their itinerary minimising costs and delays.
BNZ will take active steps to work with stakeholders to help mitigate impacts during extenuating circumstances that are outside their control.
BNZ will continue to manage the risk of biofouling while enabling the movement of vessels and their cargo as the port congestion continues. However, vessel operators and agents should now be aware of the situation, including the likelihood of delays beyond the short-stay time limits (20 days) and should be taking appropriate steps to manage their biofouling prior to arrival in New Zealand.
While BNZ notes that majority of vessel operators are taking appropriate steps to manage their biofouling risk prior to their vessels’ arrival and notifying them when the vessels face delays, they are concerned that there are also some operators that are still arriving in New Zealand with non-compliant vessels, not having taken steps to manage their biofouling risk.
Vessels that are severely fouled and present an unmanageable biosecurity risk may be directed to leave New Zealand Territory without completing their itinerary.
Source: Intertanko/Intercargo