Calls for clarity on how ship emissions are monitored in New Zealand

Questions are being raised about how maritime emissions are monitored in New Zealand and how their atmospheric effects are assessed.

The letter has prompted discussion about shipping emissions and atmospheric monitoring.

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An open letter published on February 2, 2026 by independent weather researcher Nigel Gray calls for clarification on how offshore vessel emissions and atmospheric conditions are monitored. The letter was addressed to the Prime Minister and follows earlier correspondence Mr Gray says he sent after previous flooding events.

Around the same period referenced in the letter, MetService issued a Heavy Rain Watch for parts of the South Island. There is no scientific evidence presented linking individual vessel emissions to specific rainfall events. Such attribution requires detailed scientific analysis.

Mr Gray says his observations are intended to raise questions about monitoring systems rather than establish causation.

Scientific literature shows ship emissions release aerosols that can act as cloud condensation nuclei and influence cloud formation. The specific processes used to assess interactions between maritime emissions and individual weather events are not publicly outlined in detail.

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The letter raises questions about how atmospheric and maritime data are reviewed by relevant agencies, including whether organisations such as MetService, Maritime New Zealand, NIWA, and the Ministry for the Environment have formal protocols for investigating atmospheric conditions.

Those raising the issue say their focus is on monitoring transparency and scientific assessment.

Image: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Questions have been raised in correspondence to his office regarding maritime emissions monitoring. (File / Supplied)

There has been no public response from the Prime Minister’s office at the time of writing.

The correspondence requests clarification on how maritime emissions and atmospheric monitoring are assessed and coordinated between agencies.

As climate-related weather risks increase, the issue raises plenty of questions about environmental monitoring and scientific assessments.

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