The Club's local correspondents, P&I Services, have issued the following update on biofouling standards in New Zealand.

QUOTE

In our circular to the Group of April 2017 we drew attention to action being taken by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in accordance with the provisions of the Biosecurity Act 1993 to ensure that ships hulls were "clean" prior to their arrival in New Zealand. By way of general comment MPI has become more vigilant in recent times with respect to the potential introduction of what are referred to in the Act as "unwanted organisms". This approach to hull biofouling and more recently to the presence of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs on PCC vessels ex. Japan, which has been widely reported in the trade press and on which we have also reported to Group Clubs, are examples of this firm approach.

UNQUOTE

Members can read the full update.