Penguins feared at risk after cruise fuel spill in Wellington Harbour

Radience of the Seas docked in Wellington Harbour. Photo / File

Large quantities of diesel have been spilled into Wellington Harbour after a botched refuelling of the cruise ship Radiance of the Seas.

The official estimate states that 400 litres of diesel were lost into the waters on Monday afternoon while the ship was in port.

While the spill is not as large as initially feared, the waters are home to marine wildlife including a colony of penguins.

"Any fuel spill like that isn't good," said Harbour Master Grant Nalder.

"The ship was taking in diesel. Fortunately yesterday's warm weather helped break up the spill quite rapidly."

Nalder insisted that the source of the spill had not come from the ship but from on shore.

The leak originated from shore-based pipes which flowed into the docks. An investigation into the fuelling station is under way.

CentrePort security and Greater Wellington Regional Council were part of the response to the spill.

Fire hoses were used to break up the slick and dissipate the spill.

Environmental protection staff were on the scene this morning and much of the initial fuel slick had already been broken up by the turbulent harbour waters.

Blue Penguins and other marine birds suffer the effects of fuel spills. Photo / File

Penguins were reportedly seen on the edge of the slick during response to the spill and the public in Wellington are being told to look out for birds that appear to be affected.

The marine birds' feathers and waterproofing can be damaged by diesel.

"Local environmental groups and Doc have asked for people to look out for oiled birds," Nalder told the Herald.

"We've had no reports yet [of affected wildlife] but we looked over the affected area this morning."

MaritimeNZ told the Herald that it was notified of the spill which it deemed to be a "Tier 2", which is mid-way on their spill response meaning not national level response was warranted.

"The small amount of oil was dispersed on Monday and there have been no reports of any environmental damage," MaritimeNZ said in a statement.

The spill was dealt with quickly by the Greater Wellington Council as it was "within their jurisdiction and capability to handle".

I spokesperson for Royal Caribbean International responded to the Herald's request for comment, saying: "We're offering clean up assistance to the Wellington Harbour Master after an onshore incident occurred yesterday. The Harbour Master has investigated the incident and declared it to be unrelated to our operations."