The Port of Auckland has announced it is in the final stages of developing an in-port biofouling solution to clean niche areas of ships.
This new technology will reportedly provide shipping lines and cruise operators with the additional confidence they need to operate in New Zealand waters, while maintaining the port’s biosecurity and preserving New Zealand’s exceptional marine environment.
Chris Mills, GM Marine, Multi-Cargo and Cruise, said: “Our solution provides certainty for cruise and shipping lines.
“It’s 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.
“It means we can continue to protect New Zealand’s incredible marine environment without compromising the reliability of shipping operations.”
The innovative approach to spot cleaning is a collaboration between Port of Auckland and New Zealand Diving and Salvage Limited (NZDS) and helps ships when spot or niche area cleaning is required by New Zealand regulators.
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 be safely spot cleaned while maintaining usual passenger or freight operations.
The Port of Auckland and NZDS currently seek IP protections for the new technology, which is reportedly fully developed and has been approved as a biosecurity treatment.
“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,” Mills added.
Last month, the Port of Auckland received provisional consent for its planned Bledisloe and Fergusson North wharf developments, a significant milestone in the fast-track consent process.