7/1/2019

NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS

Best wishes for the new season of 2019. Please see below communication received from Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean today 7th January 2019.

Update from WW Ocean about additional safeguards being taken for Used Cargo on our Oceania sailings to reduce Brown Marmorated Stink Bug and other bio-security risks

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean works closely with the Australian and New Zealand Authorities and takes its responsibilities to ensure that the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is not carried to these countries extremely seriously. As has been previously advised BMSB has been found on many of our vessels   arriving   in   Oceania,   despite   Wallenius   Wilhelmsen   Ocean’s   full   compliance   with   all regulations.   The bio-security enforcement measures imposed by both Australia and New Zealand have resulted in severe service disruptions which cannot be mitigated locally, so the consequences of any contamination event are extreme.

Used and field tested cargo has extended exposure to high risk areas and has been identified as high risk based on findings on our vessels.

To reduce risk of loading contaminated cargo, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean will, with immediate effect, require pretreatment of all used cargo loading on our vessel destined for Oceania. This policy will be in place year round.

Accordingly, used cargo from all countries to South Africa, Reunion, Australia, New Zealand, Noumea or Papeete must be pre-treated using heat treatment (preferred) or Sulfuryl Fluoride in accordance rules and regulations from Australian and/or New Zealand authorities.

The pre-treatment should be completed as close as possible and maximum one week prior to loading. For loading areas not covered by Oceania pre-treatment requirements, treatment does not need to be performed by a Government approved treatment provider, but Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean will require copies of the treatment certificates to be submitted.   For load areas covered by mandatory treatment requirements, all documentation must be in accordance with those set by authorities in Australia or New Zealand respectively.

Any cargo already received for loading will be treated at customer expense, or the customer may request cancellation of the booking and release of the cargo. Your account manager will contact you

about these new rules and provide local contacts to assist with treatment

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is an agricultural pest that feeds on, and can severely damage, fruit and vegetable crops. The pest has spread from its native range in East Asia to form established populations in North America and Europe but is not yet present or widely established in New Zealand. If the BMSB were to establish and spread in New Zealand, it would be extremely difficult and expensive to manage, partly due to its broad host range. Preventing an incursion in the first place is therefore a high priority and every year the New Zealand government reviews the import restrictions in time for the BMSB risk season which begins in September. See our BMSB resource pagefor everything you need to know about the regulations and what is required when it comes to keeping your Oceania-bound products pest free.

Keeping You Informed!

BR International 

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