US-based salvors Resolve Salvage & Fire, appointed by Rena's owners and insurers to undertake the next stage of the salvage operation, have begun removing sections of the wreck's bow.
The project, which will reduce Rena's bow section to 1 metre below the mean water line, is expected to be completed early 2013, depending on weather conditions.
Captain John Owen, the Senior Claims Manager with The Swedish Club (Rena's insurer) said pre-cutting work on the internal structures commenced last week, while a helicopter and crane barge began removing pre-cut scrap metal this week.
"This is a difficult and potentially dangerous location to conduct salvage operations," said Captain Owen. "However, we are confident Resolve will complete the project safely and to the satisfaction of the Bay of Plenty community."
Resolve is an international marine salvage expert with over 30 years experience in wreck removal. They will work with a number of local and international subcontractors including Soenen BV (specialised cutters), Helicopter Services Bay of Plenty, Braemar Howells, Unimar, McDermott Aviation and MacKay Shipping. An agreement is also in place for scrap steel recycling at a local Tauranga facility.
Project summary
The early stages of scrap removal will make extensive use of a helicopter as the front of the bow section is surrounded by shallow water, inhibiting the use of a heavy lift barge.
The helicopter will remove steel from the forward section working its way aft, while a crane barge will work from the deeper water surrounding the aft section.
The shell plating and ballast tanks will be left until the final phase of the project to act as a breakwater. Once all the major internal structures are removed, the shell plating will be removed to 1metre below the mean waterline.
Following this, a dive survey will be completed to ensure that the wreck has been reduced in accordance with Resolve's approved salvage plan.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from Bay of Plenty Times
1000 patients a day: 'Essential' healthcare workers to strike for 24 hours
A 'full withdrawal' of labour will take place on April 2.