New Zealand

NZ welcomes IMO coastline ban

The International Maritime Organisation has approved what is described as a 'world first decision' that will see ships banned later this year from an area off the north-east coast of New Zealand's North Island. The area in question is a coastal strip extending five nautical miles from land between Beam Head and Cape Brett, north of Whangarei, and also includes the area around Poor Knights Islands. The Maritime Safety Agency (MSA) of New Zealand has been pushing IMO to prohibit internationally trading ships from straying close to the coastline, in order to provide greater environmental protection to the highly vulnerable area.

With effect from December 1, 2004, the area will be designated off-limits to ships greater than 45 metres in length, and the MSA can enforce the ruling if a vessel enters the area. Ships transiting the coast will be required to pass east of the Poor Knights Islands, and cannot pass between the islands and the mainland.