Ports to Auckland sending tug to assist Rena
Ports to Auckland sending tug
to assist
Rena
Ports of
Auckland Media Release
7 October 2011
Ports of Auckland is sending its most powerful tugboat, the Waka Kume, to assist in the salvage of the container ship Rena off the coast of Tauranga.
General Manager Multi-Cargo and Marine Wayne Mills said the port had agreed to a request for assistance from salvage company Svitzer.
Mr Mills said the tug and crew departed Auckland in the early afternoon Friday 7 October and would arrive in Tauranga early in the morning on Saturday 8 October.
Mr Mills said the salvage master would determine how the tug would be used as part of the overall salvage plan.
"We are happy to be able to assist the salvage operation in whatever way we are able."
The Waka Kume was one of the dancing tugs that recently featured in the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup 2011. It is Ports of Auckland's newest tug and has a 50 tonne bollard pull.
Mr Mills said Ports of Auckland had four tugs and would still be able to service its existing customers including the incoming Rugby World Cup 2011 cruise vessels.
Images of the Waka Kume are available at http://www.poal.co.nz/news_media/gallery.htm