Fuel and Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems

Rules for vessels within Hawke's Bay regional waters

The Ministry for the Environment, Regional Councils and Maritime New Zealand are working together to develop a nationwide strategy for Āpitihanga VI o Te Tiriti MARPOL, MARPOL Annex VI Treaty.

While this is being completed, the following applies to vessels within Hawke’s Bay regional waters:

• Vessels should utilize use MARPOL Annex VI-compliant fuel for the duration of their stay in regional waters.
• If a changeover of fuel is required, this shall be done at least four hours before entering regional waters. Changeovers are prohibited within regional waters.
• If a vessel is unable to use MARPOL Annex VI-compliant fuel, they may:
• operate an exhaust gas cleaning system, certified and approved in accordance with the International Maritime Guidelines, and retain any effluent on board for disposal at the next available port facility.
• The discharge of any effluent from the operation of exhaust gas cleaning systems into the marine environment is strictly prohibited without consent from the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

All vessels within regional waters are required to provide information and records regarding the use of exhaust gas cleaning systems or fuel composition upon request by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Harbourmaster or enforcement officers.

What is the MARPOL Annex VI Treaty?

MARPOL is an international convention for preventing pollution from ships. Annex VI to the convention will reduce emissions from fuel that are harmful to our environment and the health of people living in and around ports.

You can find more information about MARPOL and Annex VI at Te Manatū Waka the Ministry of Transport.

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