The New Zealand government has ordered a bulker out of the port of Tauranga after its hull was found to be dirty.

The 34,000-dwt DL Marigold (built 2012) had "dense fouling of barnacles and tube worms", the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) said.

It was carrying a cargo of palm kernel, but will have to be thoroughly cleaned before it can re-enter New Zealand waters.

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