[201011.EN.SEA] Contrary To Eco-scare, Stricken Box Ship Won't Break Up: Maritime NZ

SALVAGE experts have advised that while the 3,300-TEU Rena is cracked port and starboard, the ship remains in one piece and is not likely to break apart as alarmist environmentalists predict, says the state coast guard authority Maritime New Zealand.

Maritime New Zealand, the national coast guard agency, has also confirmed there has been no fresh pollution from the ship that has leaked bunker from its ruptured fuel tanks, reported London's Lloyd's List.

The agency's salvage manager Andrew Berry said a booster pump is now in place on the ship 14 miles off Tauranga, which is hoped to begin operation soon, reports Wellington-based only news portal Voxy.

"All is going well. We will be continuing to pump oil. However, the operation is still very much dependent upon weather, equipment, vessel stability and other considerations. It will be a long, slow and steady process," Mr Berry said.

Meanwhile, Bay of Plenty businesses have been outstanding in their support of the thousands of people working on the Rena response, with generous offers of assistance continuing to flood in.

The Panama flagged, Filipino-crewed, Greek-owned and Swiss-chartered ship ran onto a reef 14 miles out of Tauranga, north island, splitting open and leaking bunker fuel oil onto the beaches and tipping containers into the sea as it developed a 22-degree list to port.

The captain and first mate have been charged with negligence. The ship, owned by Athens-based Costamare, was chartered to Geneva-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and was part of its cross-Tasman Sea service between Australia and New Zealand.

Lloyd's List also reported that the New Zealand's MSC general manager Phil Abraham has met with Transport Minister Steven Joyce and said it will contribute to the cost of the clean-up, even though legal responsibility lies with the owner Costamare and their insurers.

Outlay so far has been around NZ$3.5 million (US $2.8 million), although this figure is expected to rise considerably.

Said Mr Joyce: "My understanding is [MSC] will make some financial contribution, and the amount is for them to assess obviously in terms of their reputation in this country and the way New Zealanders feel about what has happened."

Meanwhile, six Filipino seamen are being questioned at an undisclosed location, on account of fears for their safety. The captain and first mate are due to appear in court on charges of negligence, which carries a penalty of up to one year in prison.

Speaking for the flag state, Scott Bergeron, CEO the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry, said: "Our sympathies are very much with the people of New Zealand. The registry will refrain to apportion blame, or to attribute causation, until a full and proper inquiry has been carried out."

Source : HKSG.