A plan is now in place for the return of a ship with two Covid-positive mariners on board.

Earlier this week, the Viking Bay fishing vessel was barred from returning to Port Taranaki.

The vessel with 20 people on board will dock at Queen's Wharf in Wellington tomorrow.

Perimeter fencing will cordon off the area where the ship will dock to remove public access.

Authorities will also step up security , along with on-water patrols.

All crew will undergo a health check, including testing on arrival.

Most of them will then head to MIQ, but a small number will remain in isolation on board.

The risk to public health remains very low.