The tender process for the wreck removal is continuing, meanwhile Braemar uses a ROV to search the sea-bed
Braemar Howells is using increasingly sophisticated equipment in its Rena clean-up operations. The observation class Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV), used to-date in locating submerged container wreckage, has been replaced by a working class version.
While the observation class equipment provided the “eyes” to confirm sightings, the replacement ROV features a manipulating arm that can hook up and move scrap wreckage. This will enable container wreckage to be collected without the use of divers. It can operate at varying depths and will be used in Rena recovery operations from next week.
Plans are also being made, under the auspices of the Rena owners, for the removal of scrap on the seabed around the Rena. Mooring chains are now in place at the Rena for the Unimar recovery barge, which will be receiving scrap from the seabed.
Maritime New Zealand say that the oil spill response has been reduced from a Tier 3, or national level, to Tier 2, or regional level, response.