Refloating of stricken coal carrier on track

BRISBANE - Salvage experts will decide on Monday when they'll attempt to refloat a coal carrier that's been grounded on the Great Barrier Reef for nine days.

The Chinese-registered Shen Neng 1 was 15 nautical miles off course when it slammed into Douglas Shoal, off Rockhampton, on April 3.

The majority of the ship's 975 tonnes of fuel oil has been transferred off, with the operation due to wrap up on Monday in preparation for the refloating.

Federal transport minister Anthony Albanese said crews have a sense of urgency to get the boat refloated.

"Weather conditions are very good, but we can't keep on relying on that being the case," he told reporters in Brisbane.

"Predictions are that weather conditions will not be as favourable from Tuesday.

"A decision re refloating will be made as early as Monday."

- AAP