New Zealand Wants More Rena Wreckage Removed

The New Zealand Government wants parts of the ill-fated MV Rena’s wreck, but not the whole thing, to be removed, opposing the application to leave the wreck where it is on the Astrolabe Reef, off the coast of Tauranga.

The bow section of the wreck on the top surface together with the associated debris to a depth of 30 meters should be removed, according to Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson.

What is more, the Government wants the parts of the wreck below 30 meters closely monitored.

Nevertheless, due to safety risks and costs for the overall removal of the wreck, the parts of the wreck beneath shallow waters should remain as they are for now.

This relates to the stern section of the wreck, which is 70 meters down.

The Government’s submission from this morning comes as a response to an application by a community trust membered by the ship’s owners to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to leave the ship where it lies.

On October 5, MV Rena grounded on the Astrolabe Reef resulting in a major oil spill, the worst in New Zealand’s maritime history.

[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, August 8, 2014