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Posted by Dale Crisp
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17 December, 2025
PORT of Auckland has received approval from Biosecurity New Zealand to deploy a specialised hull-cleaning process developed in conjunction with NZ Diving & Salvage.
The technology targets hard-to-clean areas of vessel hulls, such as sea chests and propeller shafts, providing a safe and practical solution for spot cleaning in port. This reduces the need for offshore cleaning and minimises disruption to passenger and cargo operations, the developers say.
Biosecurity minister Andrew Hoggard said it would help vessel operators meet their biosecurity responsibilities without disrupting passenger or cargo operations.
Biosecurity New Zealand received the application in October and completed its evaluation this month following successful trials on domestic vessels. Provisional approval means the system can now be used this summer for arriving vessels, including cruise ships.
“The work reflects Biosecurity New Zealand’s commitment to helping vessel operators comply with biofouling and other biosecurity requirements. Marine growth on vessel hulls – poses a biosecurity risk to New Zealand's marine environment,” Mr Hoggard said.
“This government is committed to ensuring New Zealand’s environment, unique marine ecosystems, aquaculture industry, and economy are protected from biofouling.
“At the same time, we are very aware of the commercial pressures faced by the shipping and cruise industries, and the need to make compliance with New Zealand’s biosecurity requirements as straightforward as possible.”
Port of Auckland GM Marine, Multi-Cargo and Cruise Chris Mills said the new technology is “an additional service that we can provide to shipping lines in the rare instance where there is the need for spot cleaning. This new service will be effective in managing biofouling and is designed to meet biofouling requirements”.
Historically vessels that have had problems with specific areas would have to clean offshore, often in rough, dangerous conditions. The new solution means ships can arrive in Auckland and can be safely spot cleaned while maintaining usual passenger or freight operations, Mr Mills said.
When the concept was first announced in September Port of Auckland and NZDS said they were keeping the details of how it works under wraps while they sought IP protections: “The collaboration between the port, NZDS, shipping lines and regulators has been exceptional, and this progress is a result of people across the industry coming together to work on a solution that supports the economy and the environment,” Mr Mills said.
