Foul weather halts container removal from stricken Rena off New Zealand

BAD weather has forced New Zealand salvagers removing containers from the grounded 3,020-TEU Rena to stop work, halting four weeks of recovery by the Braemar Howells company off the north island`s Port of Tauranga.

Northwest winds gusted up to 25 knots where the Rena was grounded on Astrolabe Reef and were expected to increase in intensity today and tomorrow, reported Australia`s News Ltd media.


Despite rough weather, salvagers have recovered 95 containers, returning 65 to port, with a remaining 1,195 boxes still on board. Shoreline debris removal totalled 60 tons. "The weather is the governing factor, and all of us are hoping that it will remain calm, thereby allowing the salvors every chance to continue," said Braemar Howells operations manager Neil Lloyd.


Maritime New Zealand salvage manager Arthur Jobard said divers reported no change in the structure of the Rena, but there was a concern it could still break in two if conditions worsened.


"While there has been no change in the integrity of the vessel, it remains in a fragile condition, and is at the mercy of the weather," Mr Jobard said.


Since Braemar Howell`s appointment by P&I Insurers, the Swedish Club, the company has removed containers, intact or otherwise, and cargo debris from the shore line, captured and recovered floating/drifting containers and/or floating cargo debris.


It has carried out a sub-surface search for sunken containers and once identified, recovered to the surface and ashore (where safe and possible to do so) and decontaminated of oiled containers and disposal of any perished cargo.


Its plans for identification, recovery and transport of cargo debris and containers have been carried at its process site in Tauranga and overseen by Maritime New Zealand (MNZ). It has also worked closely with Maori elders to include the local kiwi and respect any sensitive or traditional areas.


Contingency plans for removal of containers in worsening weather include mobilising tugs, barges, landing craft, large cranes and fast response support vessels - together with aerial surveillance reconnaissance planes, helicopter and underwater side scan radar to reduce the risk of containers or their cargo being washed ashore.


The ship has spilt 350 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into the sea killing 2,000 birds and spoiling beaches. It was carrying about 1,700 tonnes of oil when it grounded.