Work begins on removing boxes from the Rena
November 4, 2011
Containers on the Rena could start to be removed from the stricken boxship as early as next week, it has been reported.
The Rena caused New Zealand’s worst environmental crisis after it ran aground on Astrolabe Reef, off Tauranga, nearly three weeks ago, leaking hundreds of tonnes of oil.
Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) salvage unit manager Bruce Anderson said a large ST60 barge equipped with two cranes would be undertaking sea tests during the weekend.
He said: “Once that is done, it can start removing containers off the vessel.”
There were 1,368 containers aboard when the Rena first hit the reef on 5 October.
The Rena this week survived stormy weather with fears that the badly damaged vessel would split in two. However, with calmer seas allowing crews back on board, they are facing a stink.
MNZ said environmental officers would assess noxious fumes from 121 containers holding perishable food, which had started to decompose.
Almost 8,000 people have registered as volunteers to help clean up the hundreds of tonnes of oil that have spilled from the ship.
We reported this week how two senior officers from the Rena are to face further charges.
The master of the Liberian-flagged ship and its second officer have already been charged with operating a vessel in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk. They were remanded on bail by the Tauranga District Court.
Later this week MNZ said it was laying a further charge against the two men relating to the “discharge of harmful substances from ships or offshore installations.”
