Offshore Oil Exploration Rigs

Exploration rigs that have been stationary in the coastal waters of other countries for some time are likely to have accumilated (sometimes extensive) biofouling on the immersed parts. This biofouling could well include marine organisms that if transferred to New Zealand waters could become harmful to our natural or physical resources.

These pest organisms can survive the voyage to New Zealand on equipment towed slowly through the ocean. They could possibly even survive transportation out of water depending on the duration of the voyage and whether they had been kept moist - for example by wave splash.

You should contact MPI, (contact details below), at as early a stage as possible in planning to commence exploration in New Zealand's territorial waters or EEZ. We will discuss possible options for minimising the risk of marine organism transfers to New Zealand, including the feasibility of drydocking and removal of fouling before arrival in New Zealand's EEZ.

Page last updated: 30 April 2012