Biosecurity New Zealand has ordered a Wallenius Lines car carrier to leave the country after stink bugs were discovered on board.
The state agency said biosecurity officers intercepted three live and 39 dead brown marmorated insects and 69 other dead regulated stink bugs after the 7,879-ceu Carmen (built 2011) arrived in Auckland from Europe last Wednesday.
It was carrying a range of vehicles from Europe and the US.
"The interceptions indicated the cargo was likely to be infested with stink bugs. We also believed the ship itself was contaminated," said Steve Gilbert, border clearance services director of Biosecurity New Zealand.
"We informed industry prior to the start of the season of our hard line on cargo vessels believed to be infested with stink bug.
"This is about ensuring a dangerous pest does not get a chance to establish in New Zealand."
The ship left Auckland the same day.
It would have to be treated offshore before it could return.
"If permitted to come back, the vessel should also expect intensive inspection before we allow any cargo to be discharged," Gilbert added.
Carmen is the first cargoship to be ordered to leave New Zealand since the beginning of the 2018/19 stink bug season in September.
In February, Biosecurity New Zealand turned around four bulkers from Japan due to stink bug contamination.
AIS data showed Carmen not under command off Noumea in New Caledonia on Tuesday.
