As NorthStandard P&I Club informs, both Australian and New Zealand authorities impose strict measures to avoid stink bugs finding their way ashore.
According to NorthStandard, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is native to Japan, China and Korea, and it earns its name because of the foul-smelling chemical it releases when threatened. They have been found hitchhiking on cargoes shipped to Australia and New Zealand, typically on ro-ro / vehicle carriers, and are considered an invasive species and therefore a biosecurity risk.
Other stink bug species that are considered to present a biosecurity risk include the Yellow Spotted Stink Bug and the Polished Green Stink Bug. Their designated BMSB risk season is 1 September to 30 April.
Australia
The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) takes a firm approach if stink bugs are found on board the vessel upon arrival. They will require fumigation with methyl bromide, which can damage to the interior of vehicles, specifically to leather or rubber materials.
DAFF’s refusal to consider other fumigant options has led to some vessels affected by stink bugs to leave Australia and undergo alternative treatment in another country before attempting to return to Australia for discharge. However, it is understood that DAFF may not accept this alternative and therefore mandate that fumigation is carried using methyl bromide in Australia.
New Zealand
New Zealand authorities have previously turned away vessels, in this case car carriers, when stink bugs were found on board. Stink bugs are classed the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) as unwanted organisms under the NZ Biosecurity Act.
Preventing a big stink
The discovery of stink bugs on board may lead to delays and incur additional costs. As always, prevention is better than cure, and prompt action can help mitigate the impact, NorthStandard explains. Furthermore, the Club makes the following suggestions:
- When shipping vehicle cargoes within the risk season, check the biosecurity requirements at the discharge port and whether they identify the load port as a risk area.
- Assess the risk of infestation at the load port and whether fumigation is appropriate.
- Exercise vigilance on loading, paying attention also inside the car.
- Carry out stink bug searches during the voyage if and when safe to do so.
- If stink bugs are found, make early contact with the club or the club’s correspondent.
