MPI allows fouled ship to return to Tauranga after hull is cleaned in international waters

DL Marigold, pictured in Lyttleton in December 2016. Photo/Bernard Spragg

A biofouled vessel ordered to leave Tauranga earlier this month has been allowed to return after being cleaned outside New Zealand, the Ministry for Primary Industries says.

The ministry ordered the DL Marigold to leave Tauranga on March 6 following the discovery of dense fouling of barnacles and tube worms on the bulk carrier's hull and other underwater surfaces.

The vessel returned to Tauranga yesterday evening to finish unloading a shipment of palm kernel after using divers to undertake cleaning at sea outside New Zealand waters.

The ministry's border clearance services capability manager Sharon Tohovaka said the ministry checked photos taken after the cleaning operation.

"These were provided to MPI prior to the vessel's arrival. We are now satisfied the ship is very clean and meets New Zealand's biosecurity requirements.

"The move to ban the vessel until it could be cleaned shows New Zealand's strict biosecurity system in action.

"MPI won't hesitate to take a hard line on vessels with severe biofouling in the lead-up to the introduction of new biosecurity rules in May 2018.

"The new rules will require all international vessels to arrive in New Zealand with a clean hull. Most vessels can achieve this by following International Maritime Organisation biofouling guidelines."