Tauranga port cautions ships on port movement
New Zealand's Port of Tauranga has advised all ships entering the harbour to keep a look out for floating containers and debris due to the grounding of containership Rena, Seatrade Asia reports.
“All vessels are advised to keep a good look out for floating containers. There is a lot of debris floating in the water off the port entrance,” Mark Cairns, chief executive at Port of Tauranga, said in a statement.
“Weather conditions have improved considerably,” he added.
The port has commenced “sweeps” of the channel using side scan sonar and magnetometer devices towed astern of the Te Awanui that the route is cleared of obstructions.
“Departing vessels are advised to proceed from the pilot boarding station and keep to the west of Mayor Island,” Cairns said.
Costamare owned Rena ran aground on the Astrolabe Reef near Tauranga last Wednesday. According to Maritime New Zealand, 88 containers have fallen overboard and about 350 tonnes of oil has leaked into the sea.
“All vessels are advised to keep a good look out for floating containers. There is a lot of debris floating in the water off the port entrance,” Mark Cairns, chief executive at Port of Tauranga, said in a statement.
“Weather conditions have improved considerably,” he added.
The port has commenced “sweeps” of the channel using side scan sonar and magnetometer devices towed astern of the Te Awanui that the route is cleared of obstructions.
“Departing vessels are advised to proceed from the pilot boarding station and keep to the west of Mayor Island,” Cairns said.
Costamare owned Rena ran aground on the Astrolabe Reef near Tauranga last Wednesday. According to Maritime New Zealand, 88 containers have fallen overboard and about 350 tonnes of oil has leaked into the sea.