The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has engaged the services of New Zealand salvage companies, Pacific 7 Limited and Bay Underwater Services NZ Ltd, to undertake the removal, recovery and safe disposal of the fuel and other pollutants currently on board the sunken HMNZS Manawanui.
The NZDF Senior National Representative for Operation Resolution – NZDF’s response to the grounding and sinking of Manawanui – Commodore Andrew Brown, said he was delighted to see progress made in this complex and technical phase of fuel removal.
“The companies are underway with mobilising the equipment and personnel they will need in Samoa to remove the fuel from the ship,” Commodore Brown said.
The team‘s equipment is expected to leave New Zealand in the next week on a salvage vessel, with an estimated 10-11 day sailing time to Samoa.
“We are expecting the fuel removal itself to begin in December. However, we are mindful of external influences which may impact timing.
“The weather plays an important, but unpredictable, part in this operation. It is important to emphasise that the NZDF’s intent is to get the fuel and other pollutants off the vessel as soon as we can.”
“That needs to be done safely, with minimal risk to the personnel involved. We are committed to working in partnership with the Samoan Government as this important work to get the fuel and pollutants out of the HMNZS Manawanui proceeds.
“The approach will be to prioritise the largest potential risks, with the bulk fuel removed first, and progressing to the smaller quantities of oils and other contaminants. In the end we do not expect it will be safe or practical to remove absolutely all the liquids, however the objective is to do everything practicable to limit or stop any potential damage to the environment,” Commodore Brown said.
He said mitigation of any potential environmental impacts through on-going monitoring and surveillance of the ship and site continues on a daily basis. The main fuel tanks on Manawanui remain intact.
