New Zealand: Work Continues on Barge Destined for Rena Salvage

Work is continuing on preparing the crane barge Smit Borneo for container removal operations. A 180 tonne “crawler” crane has been installed on the barge – this will be used for lifting salvors during container removal operations.

It is currently anticipated that, weather permitting, the barge will go out to Rena tomorrow. It will then take at least a day to get the barge into position and set the anchors in place for container removal.

Container removal operations will only commence when the weather and sea state allows.

Salvors will be living in the accommodation block on Smit Borneo, meaning they will no longer need to be taken out to the Rena by helicopter, saving travel time.

The Sea Tow 60 will be used as a shuttle barge to receive containers from Smit Borneo and take them to the Port for processing.

Motion sensors on Rena confirm no significant change in the condition of the wreck, which remains in a fragile state.

The weather is improving with north westerly winds of around 10 knots. There is still a maximum swell of around 3m, but that is expected to decrease over the next few days.

Braemar Howells teams are working on Motītī Island today, removing container debris. Teams are also working on White and Whale Islands.

Oil spill response teams are focusing on Pāpāmoa, Mount Maunganui and Motītī Island today. There will be a team working at Ōmanu, following reports of tar balls on the beach.

Observation flights are continuing to monitor the sheen around Rena. This is currently stretching around 3km southwest of the wreck.

Shoreline Clean-up Assessment Teams will be checking Maketū Spit and Little Waihi today.

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Source: Maritime NZ, December 7, 2011