THE 3,300-TEU Rena, grounded on a reef and spilling oil off New Zealand a month ago, is expected to commence the discharge of containers, many of which have fallen into the sea.
Maritime New Zealand (MNZ), the coast guard service, said environmental officers would assess noxious fumes from 121 containers holding perishable food, which had started to decompose. There were 1,368 containers aboard when the Rena first hit the reef, but many have fallen into the sea.
MNZ salvage unit manager Bruce Anderson said a barge with two cranes did tests over the weekend, reported American Shipper. This week, the Rena survived stormy weather amid fears that the badly damaged vessel would split in two. Now calmer seas have allowed work to recommence.
The captain and first mate of the Liberian-flagged Filipino-crewed ship, owned by Athens-based Costamare and chartered to Geneva`s MSC, have been charged with negligence. Fresh charges have been made against them for "discharging harmful substances".
They are out on bail after being arraigned in Tauranga District Court.