Rena grounding update 2

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) is preparing for an on-water operation to collect heavy fuel oil that has spilled from the container ship Rena, and there are also hopes the dispersant may be proving more effective than initial assessments indicated.

A relatively small amount of heavy fuel oil has escaped from damaged pipes within the ship, which is stranded on Astrolabe Reef off Tauranga, but so far there is no sign that a large amount of oil is being released from the main tanks.

MNZ is liaising closely with the salvor, Switzer, which is responsible for removing oil from the vessel.

National On Scene Commander Rob Service said that aerial surveillance this morning showed that a sheen of oil is still spreading from the ship but there is no evidence of further spillage of heavy fuel oil. Observers on the flight said there was no sign that oil is moving towards Mayor Island at this stage.

Teams of wildlife rescue staff have been sent to Motiti Island and MNZ is also preparing to launch a shoreline clean-up in the event that oil reaches land.

Trials have resumed this morning using the dispersant Corexit 9500 after inconclusive results from yesterday’s aerial operations. At the same time, vessels and equipment are being assembled to mount an on-water response to collect oil on the water in the vicinity of the ship, in the event that the volume of heavy fuel oil increases significantly. Current assessments are that the on-water response may be of limited value at this stage because of the way the ship is situated and the spread of the oil.

Four teams of three people each are based at Motiti Island and another two field teams will be working on the mainland coast. Shoreline assessment teams have also been mobilised.

Mr Service said that over 90 people were already involved in the response, with more being brought in as the wildlife and shoreline teams were expanded. International expertise was also being called on.

Please see incident page for more information, questions and answers, fly-over images of the site and information on New Zealand’s oil spill response system.

Please note we will be identifying photo opportunities for media today and will advise accordingly. There will also be a press conference at 3.30 – this represents your best opportunity to speak to key oil spill response team members.