Cruise biosecurity compliance ‘high’ during 2023-24 New Zealand season

Whiting, speaking at the New Zealand Cruise Association’s annual conference in Auckland, said the itineraries of only two cruise ships out of 54 were disrupted.

‘One cruise ship had to cancel a voyage, but returned fully compliant during the season and one ship missed one stop due to topside risk,’ Whiting said.

‘We were pleased with the efforts of the cruise operators and the result of last season,’ she said.

In-water cleaning

Whiting said the MPI continues to work on in-water cleaning solutions.

‘There is a need for technology that can sufficiently capture all cleaning discharge that occurs throughout the cleaning process,’ she said.

‘MPI is meeting with dive operators and technology developers and working with ports and operators and the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) on the subject.

‘However, in-water cleaning will be a long-term issue and highlights the importance of proactive management of biofouling.’

NZCA CEO Jacqui Lloyd, left, with Kirstie Hewlett who outlined the work of Maritime New Zealand

Kirstie Hewlett, chief executive of Maritime New Zealand, was also in the lineup of speakers at this year’s conference.

Search and rescue

Hewlett outlined the responsibilities of MNZ and its national land, sea and air search and rescue coordination service. 

It plays an important role in rescue coordination in Antarctica and across the Pacific.

It monitors an area of 30m square kilometres — from the South Pole, almost to the equator, halfway to South America and halfway to Australia.