. Next week the New Zealand-based salvors engaged to remove fuel and other potential pollutants from HMNZS Manawanui, will commence passage to Samoa.

· A barge, loaded with vessels and tonnes of salvage and diving equipment, will be towed behind an ocean-going tug.

· The passage is expected to take 10-11 days. As always, any operation at sea, can be subject to delays caused by weather and sea conditions.

· Commodore Andrew Brown, the NZDF Senior National Representative for Operation Resolution said, “The salvage companies have been receiving multi-agency support for biosecurity, customs, regulatory requirements by Maritime New Zealand, and other checks and approvals prior to departing New Zealand.”

· Once in Samoa, the salvors will have several days in Apia to work through the necessary approvals and permissions from Samoan Government officials to allow the commencement of fuel removal.

· Prior to the salvors’ arrival into Samoa, the NZDF will be deploying specialist engineering and dive personnel to provide a level of oversight and professional advice to the salvors.

· Commodore Brown said, “It’s important that as we enter this next phase of the operation we have the right people in the right place to assist the salvors in this highly technical and complex phase of fuel removal.”

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