New Zealand announced introduction of a new biofouling survey that will involve compulsory hull checks for up to 40 arriving cargo vessels. The aim is to build a profile of vessels that are most likely to be contaminated with foreign marine species.
New Zealand announced extension of a ban on cruise ships arriving in the country and tightened quarantine rules, after a small increase of COVID-19 cases were attributed to overseas travel.
New Zealand will allow entry of some maritime vessels, as it looks to open up its economy after lifting all COVID-19 restrictions. Cruise ships and people travelling for leisure, however, will continue to be banned from entering the country.
Maritime NZ launched guidelines concerning a major increase required in insurance cover or other financial security for marine oil spills from offshore installations.
In light of the COVID-19 crisis, New Zealand entered an international port authorities’ global initiative, which focuses on boosting the safety and efficiency of goods’ movement during the pandemic.
While New Zealand is taking measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maritime NZ has taken steps to allow operators to use lifting appliances with expired annual examinations and certificates of test for a specific period of time.
Following the COVID-19 outbreak, Australia and New Zealand decided to ban cruise ships arrivals at their foreign ports to avoid the spread of the disease.
Maritime New Zealand fined the sole director of Wellington-based Megisti Sailing Charters $2,500 for being asleep at the wheel of the catamaran MV Megisti when it collided with the Port Howard Wharf, noting that fatigue was the main reason that the collision was caused.
Maritime New Zealand officially announced that the Buller District Council joined the national compliance “No Excuses” campaign. Specifically, the campaign focuses on recreational boaties not carrying or wearing lifejackets and those who speed on the water.
Compliance is a major concern in light of the new regulations concerning pollution from shipping; whatsoever, no central policing agency as well as several countries have not signed up to them yet. Reuters reports that refiners and shipping companies are expected to spend billions of dollars in the following years in order to ensure fuel and engine compliance. Yet, as enforcement of MARPOL Annex VI, set by the UN rests with individual countries and flag states, means that for some routes and regions, compliance may be inconsistent.
