In-water vessel cleaning technology trialed to tackle biofouling

A new in-water vessel cleaning system designed to help commercial ships meet New Zealand’s biofouling requirements will be deployed in Auckland this summer, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says.

The technology, co-developed by the Port of Auckland and New Zealand Diving and Salvage Limited (NZDS) with support from Biosecurity New Zealand, targets hard-to-clean areas of vessel hulls such as sea chests and propeller shafts. These areas are considered high risk for the spread of invasive marine organisms.

Mr Hoggard said the system offers a practical solution for spot cleaning vessels while they are in port, reducing the need for offshore cleaning and minimising disruption to passenger and cargo operations.

Biosecurity New Zealand received an application to use the technology in October and completed its assessment in December, following successful trials on domestic vessels. Provisional approval has now been granted, allowing the system to be used on arriving international vessels over the summer period, including cruise ships.

Officials say marine growth on vessel hulls poses a significant biosecurity threat to New Zealand’s marine environment, aquaculture industry and wider economy. The new system is intended to help vessel operators meet their biosecurity obligations more easily while maintaining commercial efficiency.

Biosecurity New Zealand will continue working with NZDS to further refine and optimise the technology as it is rolled out in operational settings.

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