Stink bug infestation has forced the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources to send a cargo ship back home.
Armacup’s Triumph v1820, which is also carrying vehicles destined for New Zealand, has been sent way from Australian waters infected by the brown mamorated stink bug, according to the Freight and Trade Alliance’s latest update.
It was anchored off Port Kembla and is carrying vehicle cargo from China, Korea and Japan.
The update says the ship was under “heightened surveillance” for stink bugs and upon arrival to Australia “the department performed a routine inspection of the vessel where a significant number of exotic stink bugs” were found.
Some cargo was discharged before the bugs were found, and sent for treatment which can include treatment, thermal py-fogging and a pesticide called methyl bromide.
The bugs found on the ship in question were both dead and alive, during a second inspection.
Earlier in the month the department of agriculture told AutoTalk, “the vessel has been directed to anchor at sea, until a treatment plan has been provided to the department for consideration and approval.”
The department spokesperson said if a treatment plan was not approved, “the vessel and its remaining cargo will be directed for export from Australian territory.”
Despite the department saying it was “confident that any risks posed by the ship arriving at the port have been effectively managed” in early November, the ship had “an unacceptable level of biosecurity risk” and sent out of Australian waters.
Stink bugs typically arrival in cargo ships between September and April.
Armacup is expected to issue a statement informing Kiwi importers of the next step.
