Cargo ship free to go after diggers help correct list

The disabled bulk carrier that sought shelter in Tasman Bay near Nelson two weeks ago has been given the all-clear to resume normal operations.

The 275m Taharoa is expected back at the Taharoa loading terminal in the Waikato this morning after being cleared by Maritime NZ yesterday.

The ship limped into the bay with a heavy list to seek shelter on June 22 after heavy seas off New Zealand's west coast caused its ironsand cargo to shift to one side.

Four bobcats and four excavators were airlifted by helicopter to help level the sand.

Electrical faults on the ship were also repaired.

Maritime NZ's general manager of operations, John Mansell, said the use of the diggers had been successful and the vessel was now back on an even keel.

Water used to help load the ironsand into the cargo holds - part of normal loading operations - had also been pumped off the vessel.

Mr Mansell said that both Maritime NZ and the ship's surveyors had inspected the vessel and were satisfied that it was safe to return to Port Taharoa to resume loading cargo.

- NZPA