Dangerous goods freight

What you need to know if you're freighting dangerous goods

Safe travel for all passengers

Here at SeaLink we operate a Zero Harm policy throughout the company to ensure our passengers, crew, team and customers are all safe. Our team are all trained to identify and mitigate risks. Our crew are trained and are knowledgeable on how to ensure the ferry environment is as safe as it can practicably be.

For this reason, when travelling with dangerous goods we rely on goods being correctly identified, packaged, handled and documented for safe carriage. All fuels must travel in an approved fuel container.

To ensure your own personal safety, we request that if you are unsure if you are travelling with dangerous goods that you check the list below, refer to our Dangerous Goods onboard SeaLink vessels and if you are still unsure that you contact us for further assistance.

Please note: On designated Dangerous Goods (DG) sailings there is 'No Smoking'. All drivers and passengers are required to vacate their vehicles and the vehicle deck for the duration of the sailing.

Safe travel for all Dangerous goods freight

We provide a regular dangerous goods and hazardous substance freight service to meet your needs.

We offer designated dangerous goods freight sailings to and from the Islands. Find the next Dangerous Goods sailing on the timetables and fares pages.

Our drivers and vehicles are certified, and we have staff on site that are trained and experienced to comply with safe handling and transportation of your dangerous goods and hazardous substances.

To help with the safe and prompt delivery of these goods, please book your dangerous goods or hazardous substances in advance and ensure that you have completed the DG declaration form before delivering your goods to our Waiheke or Auckland Depot.   

All you need to know about DG transporting can be located on the NZTA website.

Dangerous goods chart

Commonly handled dangerous goods

  • Diesel, Petrol, Kerosene
  • Batteries
  • Camping stove fuel
  • Corrosive substances – acids
  • Dive Tanks
  • Drain cleaners, insecticides, pesticides
  • Hand flares, smoke flares
  • Matches
  • Methylated spirits
  • Pool chlorine
  • Portable toilets, septic tank waste
  • Sodium and potassium metals
  • Miscellaneous – Ammonium nitrate, fertiliser sand, bitumen and environmentally hazardous substances
  • Hay – category A
  • Calcium carbide UN 1402 PG I and PG II - category B
  • Hydrochloric acid UN 1789 PG II and III – category C
  • Acetylene UN 1001 – category D
  • LPG – category E

Carrying these substances in excess of the quantities listed on our Dangerous Goods Onboard SeaLink Vessels is an offence. Where dangerous goods in categories D and E are carried, passenger numbers are restricted and we recommend you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Declaration forms are available at the check in counter at our terminals and from the crew when travelling from Great Barrier Island.

Dangerous goods onboard SeaLink ferries

Transportation of bees

All bees and hives must be transported in the evening on an individual charter or fuel run. No bees or hives are to be transported on a regular sailing at any time. Conditions of travel is as below:

  • The bee keeper and transporter are required to remain on board to monitor the load
  • The hive must be suitably covered with netting preventing the bees escape
  • Vehicle(s) must be parked in gear with handbrake on and the vehicle is to be secured to the deck with tie down straps
  • All hives and bees are to be safely secured against shifting components, which would inevitably allow leakage
  • The bee keeper, and transporter are required to agree a suitable emergency plan and medical provision, such as the ability to administer adrenaline (Epi-pen) prior to sailing

Shipment will be refused if any of the above conditions are not met and shipping is at the Skipper's discretion.

Please call us on 0800 SEALINK (0800 732 546) to discuss your bee transportation arrangements.

Terms & conditions of travel with DG*

  • Unaccompanied vehicles will require a completed and signed Unaccompanied Vehicle Form, prior to travel
  • Unaccompanied vehicles will not be carried if the conditions on the unaccompanied vehicles booking form are not agreed to
  • The non declaration of dangerous goods could result in the cancellation of future travel with SeaLink
  • If Maritime NZ and SeaLink safety standards have been intentionally or unintentionally compromised, legal action may be taken

*DG, Dangerous goods