New In-Water Cleaning Technology to Help Ships Meet NZ Biofouling Rules

Minister Hoggard said the innovation strikes the right balance between environmental protection and commercial practicality.

New in-water cleaning technology designed to help commercial vessels meet New Zealand’s strict biofouling requirements will be rolled out in Auckland this summer, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has announced.

The system has been co-developed by the Port of Auckland and New Zealand Diving and Salvage Limited (NZDS), with support from Biosecurity New Zealand, and represents a significant step forward in protecting New Zealand’s marine environment while supporting efficient port operations.

The technology is specifically designed to clean hard-to-reach and high-risk areas of vessel hulls, including sea chests, propeller shafts, and other niche spaces where marine organisms commonly accumulate. These areas are traditionally difficult to manage and pose an elevated biosecurity risk due to their potential to harbour invasive marine species.

By enabling safe and targeted spot cleaning while vessels are in port, the system reduces the need for offshore cleaning operations, which can be costly, weather-dependent, and disruptive. It also minimises delays to passenger services and cargo movements, an important consideration for cruise ships and commercial freight operators.

Minister Hoggard said the innovation strikes the right balance between environmental protection and commercial practicality.

“It will help vessel operators meet their biosecurity responsibilities without disrupting passenger or cargo operations,” he said.

Biosecurity New Zealand received the formal application for the system in October and completed its evaluation in December, following a series of successful trials on domestic vessels. The granting of provisional approval allows the technology to be used this summer on arriving international vessels, including cruise ships, during one of the busiest periods for maritime traffic.

Marine biofouling — the build-up of organisms such as algae, barnacles, and mussels on vessel hulls — is a major pathway for the introduction of invasive marine species. These organisms can threaten native marine biodiversity, damage sensitive ecosystems, and pose risks to New Zealand’s aquaculture industry and coastal economy.

“The work reflects Biosecurity New Zealand’s commitment to helping vessel operators comply with biofouling and other biosecurity requirements,” the Minister said. “Marine growth on vessel hulls poses a real biosecurity risk to New Zealand’s marine environment.”

Mr Hoggard said the Government remains focused on protecting New Zealand’s unique marine ecosystems while recognising the operational realities faced by the shipping and cruise industries.

“This government is committed to ensuring New Zealand’s environment, marine biodiversity, aquaculture sector, and wider economy are protected from biofouling. At the same time, we are very aware of the commercial pressures faced by vessel operators and the need to make compliance as straightforward and practical as possible.”

Biosecurity New Zealand will continue working closely with NZDS and port authorities to refine and optimise the technology, with the aim of expanding its use and strengthening New Zealand’s frontline defences against marine pests.