New Zealand: Salvors Make Good Progress on Removing Containers from Stricken Rena

New Zealand - Salvors Make Good Progress on Removing Containers from Stricken Rena

Progress is being made on removing containers from the stricken ship Rena, Maritime New Zealand Salvage Unit Manager Kenny Crawford said today.

Twenty three containers were removed yesterday, with 15 empty containers taken ashore last night. Another three contained with dry, undamaged cargo. The total number of containers removed is now 119.

National On Scene Commander Rob Service said Maritime New Zealand’s response to the Rena remains a complex operation.

“There is still oil on the Rena, and small amounts will continue to leak out of the ship as it was badly damaged.

“There is still some residual oil in the fuel tanks, the duct keel and other parts of the ship that the salvors haven’t been able to reach. There is a risk that more oil could be lost from those areas if the vessel’s condition changes. A sheen of oil was again visible this morning extending from the vessel.

Mr Service said a sheen of oil extending from the vessel was monitored daily by trained observers.

“Our observers look for patches of darker oil which indicate higher volumes of oil in the water. They are also monitoring the direction of the oil to ensure we are ready for any fresh oil reaching the shore.”

Mr Service said the sheen had remained around the vessel stretching in an offshore direction for weeks now.

“We are reviewing our plans to ensure we are able to maintain the level of equipment and personnel to deal with a whole range of possible scenarios into the next few weeks, and over Christmas.”

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World Maritime News Staff, November 28, 2011; Image: Maritime NZ