Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Lefteris-T

In a significant move, the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) has prohibited the entry of the bulk carrier 'DL Marigold' into Fijian waters, citing concerns over harmful marine species. This action follows the ship's directive to depart from New Zealand on March 5 due to severe barnacle and tube worm fouling on its hull. The invasive organisms present a potential risk to local marine ecosystems. The vessel’s crew had planned to sail to Fiji to conduct necessary cleaning operations before heading back to New Zealand to complete the unloading of its cargo, specifically palm kernel feed intended for dairy cattle. However, BAF communicated to the ship’s agents in India, Campbell Shipping, that the 'DL Marigold' would not be permitted access to Fiji's waters for hull maintenance. Notably, the bulk carrier had previously docked in Tauranga on March 4 after arriving from Indonesia, with an anticipated stay of nine days. This incident marks a historic first where an international vessel was ordered to leave a New Zealand port due to biofouling concerns.

In a significant enforcement action, the bulk carrier 'DL Marigold', which was carrying a partial cargo of palm kernel expeller, was expelled from Tauranga on March 5, 2017. Authorities from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) discovered extensive biofouling on the ship's hull, including dense clusters of barnacles and tube worms during an underwater inspection. Following these findings, the vessel was directed to Fiji for cleaning before it can return to New Zealand to complete its discharge activities. This incident marks a historic first for New Zealand, as it is the inaugural case in which the ministry mandated the departure of an international vessel from a New Zealand port due to biofouling issues. Starting May 2018, new regulations will require all international ships arriving in New Zealand to have a pristine hull. Until that date, the MPI retains the authority to take action against ships exhibiting severe biofouling in order to protect New Zealand’s delicate marine ecosystem. The 'DL Marigold', which arrived in Tauranga on March 4, 2017, from Indonesia, is now headed to Suva, Fiji, with an estimated arrival date of March 10, 2017.