The Director of Maritime NZ, Kirstie Hewlett, has signed a new Marine Protection Transport Instrument (MPTI) – titled “Marine Protection Transport (Fuel Oil Changeover, SOx Compliance, and Equivalents) Instrument 2026”. The MPTI will introduce nationally consistent fuel changeover requirements for large ships operating in New Zealand waters from 11 November 2026.

Ships will be required to complete fuel changeover before entering New Zealand’s territorial sea, reducing the risk of propulsion-related incidents in coastal waters and around ports.

The decision reflects stakeholder input from public consultation earlier this year. Feedback showed strong support for a nationally consistent approach that provides greater certainty for ship operators and supports safer operations around New Zealand’s coast.

While consultation also considered requirements relating to exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers), Maritime NZ has decided to defer mandatory scrubber controls while international discussions continue.

Guidance will be developed to support the new requirements as they come into force.