Tauranga has had a strong summer cruise season, with 91 ship arrivals contributing to our visitor economy.

“It’s pleasing to see those cancellations and/or diversions due to New Zealand’s strict biofouling regulations were kept to a minimum this season, with no Tauranga arrivals directly impacted,” said Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan.

“New Zealand takes its marine and environmental impact concerns seriously and we know the cruise industry – as less than 6% of the world’s global commercial shipping fleet – is at the forefront of continual improvement in this area.”

As a key player in the cruise sector scene in New Zealand, Nathan said, the coastal Bay of Plenty is proud to play its part in promoting regenerative sustainability programmes such as The Green Room | Te Rūma Kākāriki, which local operators have embraced as part of their visitor experience offering for cruise passengers.

The cruise industry has stepped up its efforts to protect New Zealand from biofouling, said Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner north, Mike Inglis.

The summer cruise season is winding down, with just one more ship expected to arrive in New Zealand, with the vessel visiting the country for the first time.

So far this season Biosecurity New Zealand has assessed 44 visiting vessels for excessive marine growth on their hulls and other submerged surfaces.

Inglis said of these, only one required cleaning to achieve compliance with New Zealand’s biofouling rules.

“It’s been a great season. Cruise operators continue to prioritise biofouling management.

“We have been in close contact to make sure they understand and follow New Zealand’s biofouling rules, which are some of the toughest in the world.

“These regulations are about protecting our maritime industries and pristine marine areas, like Fiordland, so people can enjoy them for years to come.”

Inglis said there is strict enforcement of New Zealand’s biofouling rules.

“In the 2022/23 season, following the resumption of international cruise voyages after the pandemic, 11 vessels didn’t meet our standards.

“Of these, three cleaned their hulls prior to arrival and completed their itineraries. The other eight faced itinerary restrictions.

“In the 2023/24 season, that number dropped to just four. Of these, three completed their planned itineraries after additional cleaning and providing additional information, and one vessel cancelled one voyage due to biofouling but returned fully compliant during the season.

“The results this season show the close working relationship we have established with the cruise industry is really paying off.

“Biofouling is a significant biosecurity risk – about 90% of marine pests hitch a ride into New Zealand on the hulls of international vessels, which could harm our environment, aquaculture industry and economy.”

New Zealand was the first country to roll out a national biofouling standard, in 2014.

Inglis said new evidence requirements will be introduced this month for all international vessels, including cruise ships, to prove they meet biofouling rules.

“Biosecurity New Zealand has been working with industry since the Craft Risk Management Standard was updated in October 2023.

“We’re confident the new requirements are well understood and will have minimal impact on vessel operations, as most operators are already compliant.”