New Zealand Addresses Pipeline Disruption Affecting Flights

New Zealand government, military, and industry are working hard to address the disruption arising from the Marsden Point fuel pipeline outage

WELLIONGTON, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Sep, 2017 ) : New Zealand government, military, and industry are working hard to address the disruption arising from the Marsden Point fuel pipeline outage.

The outage has resulted in jet fuel shortage and a great number of cancelled flights, Energy and Resources Minister Judith Collins said on Tuesday. "The government is continuing to identify and implement a range of measures to free up the movement of fuel to where it is needed, and minimize disruption to Kiwi and visitors," Collins said in a statement.

While air travel will continue to be affected until the pipeline is fully operational, the fuel industry has advised the government that impacts on petrol and diesel supply for motorists are minimal, Collins said.

The New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) is providing significant logistical support to assist in the movement of fuel and taking measures to supplement supply, she said, adding that the NZDF has taken steps to reduce its jet fuel demand and further options to help fuel supply are being worked through.

"They are currently talking with industry about when and where the 20 Category five NZDF tanker drivers and two trucks can best be deployed to transport fuel," Collins said. "We're moving on several fronts in transport to do everything possible to improve supply," the minister said, adding that the New Zealand Transport Agency is assisting with resources, systems and processes to allow Over Weight Permits to be processed quickly, which includes ensuring the routes cause minimal disruption to the roading network.

Weight restrictions have been lifted by 15 percent for fuel tankers, which are allowed to use bus and transit lanes, and permissible driving hours are extended where safe to do so, Collins said.

Immigration New Zealand is providing advice to clients whose New Zealand visas are at risk of expiring due to air travel cancellations or postponements, and any people whose visas are due to expire will be given an electronic visa free of charge.