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The Taharoa Express News

25 Feb 2004

NZ MSA Orders Vessel Tests

The New Zealand Maritime Safety Authority has instructed the owners of the Japanese iron sands carrier Taharoa Express to carry out engine and maneuvering trials with the vessel to ensure that it can berth safely at the Taharoa offshore loading terminal, near Raglan. As a precautionary measure in the event of a further engine failure, the MSA will also require a harbour tug to be on station during the trials and while the Taharoa Express ties up to the terminal. The Taharoa Express was approaching the Taharoa offshore terminal mooring buoy, two nautical miles offshore, at 7.20pm on Sunday night when it suffered a total loss of main engine power. The pilot and crew were carrying out emergency anchoring procedures when engine power was restored.

28 Jun 2007

MNZ Provides Update on Listing Bulker

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) was advised that the operation to right the listing bulk iron sand carrier Taharoa Express, could take longer than originally estimated. Estimates provided to MNZ from on board the vessel indicated that it could potentially take up to 10 days for the slow, careful process of pumping of excess water from its cargo holds to be completed. This is due to the vessel’s size and the amount of water contained on board, as well as the capacity of the pumps currently available. The water is used to help pump in the iron sand and is a normal part of loading operations. The carrier has been anchored in Tasman Bay, near Nelson, since last Friday evening. The crew have been working since then to right the vessel, after its load shifted in heavy seas near Cape Egmont.

22 Jun 2007

Bulk Carrier Listing in Rough Seas

According to the New Zealand Press, the Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) says it is closely tracking the progress of the bulk carrier Taharoa Express, which is listing after its load shifted in heavy swells. The vessel reported to Maritime New Zealand that it had a problem after its load of iron sand shifted while in rough sea about 42 nautical miles south west of Cape Egmont. The vessel is intact and not taking on any water, and all 25 crew are safe, Maritime New Zealand said. Maritime New Zealand said it was concerned and is keeping a close eye on the situation, at this point there are no reports of the vessel being in danger or distress. The Port of Taharoa pilot and loading master is on board the carrier and is overseeing its progress as it heads for Nelson.

03 Apr 2003

Bulker Being Towed Away from New Zealand

The New Zealand Maritime Safety Authority (MSA) has stated that the bulker Taharoa Express is being towed away from the Northland coastline, after being at anchor off the coast of Dargaville for the past two days as a result of engine problems. The towage passage plan calls for the ship to be towed 200 miles offshore where it will be met by a larger tug for towage to Japan.