Biosecurity alert for cruise ships

Regatta & National Geogaphic Orion Cruise Ships

Biosecurity New Zealand has been working closely with cruise lines to ensure their vessels arrive into Eastland Port with clean hulls as the busy summer season approaches.

The summer cruise season starts on November 13 here with the arrival of the National Geographic Orion, the first of 26 cruise ship arrivals over the season.

From October to April, Biosecurity New Zealand expects to see 57 cruise vessels from 20 major lines make journeys to New Zealand, an increase of nearly 30 percent from the 2022/23 season. It is preparing for 1194 port calls, compared with 988 during the last season.

“There has been a lot of effort in recent months to alert cruise lines about their biosecurity requirements, including ensuring they comply with New Zealand’s biofouling rules,” Biosecurity New Zealand environmental health manager Paul Hallett said.

“Biofouling continues to be a major biosecurity threat. We know that almost 90 percent of the exotic marine species already in New Zealand likely arrived here as marine growth on the submerged surfaces of international vessels.”

Last season, Biosecurity New Zealand issued notices of direction to 11 vessels for failing biofouling assessments. In some cases, affected cruise ships were unable to visit environmentally sensitive areas like Fiordland.

“We are aware one of the 11 vessels that received a notice of direction cancelled a visit to Gisborne after undergoing cleaning outside New Zealand’s territorial waters.

“The season was challenging for some vessel operators. In many cases, cruise vessels had been sitting idle for many months during the pandemic. Long layups can contribute to marine growth and reduce the effectiveness of antifouling coatings.

“Despite the challenges, we commend the cruise industry for its compliance efforts. The majority of cruise ships visiting New Zealand met last season’s biofouling regulations. Those that didn’t, worked with us to address failings, and most were able to complete their full itineraries.”

There was high awareness about New Zealand’s biofouling rules among cruise lines this season and a keenness to comply, he said.

Cruise lines must demonstrate they meet a range of biosecurity requirements to gain approval to voyage to New Zealand.