A new in‑water cleaning system has been cleared for use in Auckland this summer, allowing arriving cruise and cargo vessels to have high‑risk parts of their hulls cleaned alongside the wharf.

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said the system was co‑developed by Port of Auckland and New Zealand Diving and Salvage (NZDS) with support from Biosecurity New Zealand. It focuses on hard‑to‑clean areas such as sea chests and propeller shafts, providing what officials describe as a “spot cleaning” option in port.

Biosecurity New Zealand received the application in October and completed its evaluation in December following trials on domestic vessels. The provisional approval means the equipment can be used this summer on arriving vessels, including cruise ships.

“It will help vessel operators meet their biosecurity responsibilities without disrupting passenger or cargo operations,” Hoggard said.

New Zealand’s biosecurity rules require ships to manage marine growth on their hulls to prevent invasive species from entering local waters. Historically, in‑water cleaning has been tightly controlled because of the risk of releasing organisms into the marine environment. Today’s decision signals support for targeted, in‑port cleaning where the regulator is satisfied with the method.

The agency did not detail the system’s technical specifications or waste capture and disposal processes in the release. It also did not indicate whether the approval would extend beyond Auckland or whether full‑hull cleaning in water is contemplated.

“The work reflects Biosecurity New Zealand’s commitment to helping vessel operators comply with biofouling and other biosecurity requirements,” Hoggard said, adding that the government is balancing environmental protection with commercial pressures on the shipping and cruise sectors.

Biosecurity New Zealand said it will continue working with NZDS to refine and optimise the technology.