Rena’s owners and insurers have appointed US salvors Resolve to start on the removal of the Rena. The company will start on the reduction of the wreck's bow on Astrolabe Reef. In the meantime clean-up operations continue as heavy weather has swept debris ashore.
With sea conditions remaining too rough for marine operations, Braemar Howells clean up teams have been hard at work tackling the fresh debris swept ashore on the Coromandel Peninsula in particular. Braemar Operations Manager Neil Lloyd says it has been the most prolonged weather event encountered since the project began. The stormy conditions have had a “significant impact” on the Coromandel and Matakana Island.
Pre-Rigging on Hold
The rough seas have forced a halt to work on pre-rigging submerged containers lying on the seabed around the Rena wreck site. Mr Lloyd said that an ROV (remote operated vehicle) has been deployed underwater, but the work had to be abandoned due to poor visibility which was down to about 500 mm, the worst encountered to date. It is hoped this work can be resumed in the week of 6 August when the seas have settled.
Two-Nautical Mile Exclusion Zone Remains in Place
Although most of Braemar’s fleet has been port-bound, patrols have continued at the wreck site. The two-nautical mile exclusion zone remains in place, monitored 24-7. And it is somewhat reassuring that an observation flight over the wreck found no sign of any fresh releases, he says.
Oil Spill Response
The oil spill response has been reduced from a Tier 3, or national level, to Tier 2, or regional level, response. Picture by LOC (source: https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/Rena/gallery-salvage.asp[Maritime New Zealand])
