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Twisted, But Still Together

Twisted, But Still Together

The container ship Rena continues to be firmly stuck on the astrolabe reef off Tauranga, New Zealand.  The bow section has not moved, but the stern section has begun to shift to further to port.  The vessel is now twisted with the large cracks along both sides of the hull.  This leaves the vessel structurally unsound and unable to be pulled off the reef.  If the heavy oil can be removed, tugs may attempt to tow the stern section away from the reef to deeper water where it would be allowed to sink.

The salvage crew were unable to pump oil off the Rena due to the heavy swells.   There had been concerns that the vessel would break up in the rough weather, but conditions improved allowing the three man crew to return to the vessel.  Their focus is now to continue pumping out the port tank which holds around 700 tons of heavy oil.

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Rena Update

Rena Update

Weather

Conditions are expected to worsen with swells increasing up to 2.5 meters and winds from 25 to 35 knots for the next few days.

Salvage

Salvage teams continue to pump oil off the container ship Rena.  Latest report states that the crew were able to pump some 70 tons of oil off the vessel.  The focus has been on the accessible port tank.  Additional equipment including steam units may make the process go faster.  The oil in the tank has cooled and is more like a paste than liquid.  The steam units will help heat the oil and make it easier to pump.

Statement from Svitzer Salvage team leader Captain Drew Shannon:.

“It’s a difficult and challenging operation. Our team is taking their time to remove the oil safely to minimise further risk to the environment.  We are also working feverishly in the background with planning and logistics on the removal of containers. Our priority however remains the removal of the oil from the Rena.  We’re continuing steadily with the transfer of oil. We had to first prove the system and now are working to improve that and speed up the removal process.”

Oil Cleanup

Clean up crews along the beach have gathered some 53 tons of solid waste making the total of 744 tons collected so far.

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Rena Update

Rena Update

The Rena has moved further on to the Astrolabe reef which has stabilized the vessel and may allow salvage teams time to pump off the remaining oil and diesel fuel on board.   The Rena now is listing at 22 degrees to starboard with its starboard railing at or below the waterline.   Oil recovery may begin the next day as salvage crews begin to setup equipment.  Reports state the team will attempt to empty the largest oil tank of 700 tons then move on to the smaller 350 to 400 ton tank.  Some 55 out of the 88 containers have been located or ashore.   Authorities state that the containers will be collected on Motiti Island.

View Latest Aerial Video of the Rena

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