Whangarei supertanker probe

Investigations are under way into why a tanker carrying crude oil from the Gulf struck the seabed at the Whangarei Harbour entrance on Sunday morning.

Northland Regional Council harbour%master Ian Niblock said the 248m Korean-flagged tanker Eastern Honor berthed safely at the Marsden Pt oil refinery at 5pm on Sunday.

No oil was spilled from the 131,292- tonne single-hulled vessel.

Early indications were that it had suffered no major structural damage.

It is the second time a tanker has struck the seabed on its way to berth at the refinery.

On April 16 the double-hulled tanker Capella Voyager was damaged and took on water when it hit the bottom.

The council will review access for deep-draught vessels into the Harbour.