HMNZS MANAWANUI
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Navy confident to be able to handle any leakages of oil
The New Zealand Navy is confident a robust plan is in place to handle any leaks as the operation to remove fuel from the HMNZS' Manawanui' begins. The ship has nearly 1000 tonnes of automotive gas oil that has diesel-like qualities on board. Officials estimated up to 200,000 litres of fuel from the ship have leaked into the sea. The fuel and other pollutants, such as oils and greases, were set to be removed in the next phase. Both contracted salvage companies and the Navy would be able to respond quickly if any leaks occurred. The on-site equipment would be able to contain any spillage. The Navy would also have personnel and equipment on standby in New Zealand if needed. The main fuel tanks remained intact, and the vessel was being checked daily by divers. The Navy was monitoring the coastline and the vessel with drones and also walk the coastline on a regular basis for any changes or pollution. The Samoan authorities have been conducting scientific testing of the water. The interim Court of Inquiry report on the sinking had been received by the Chief of Navy. It had been handed over to a Kings Counsel for an independent legal review and then some of the key information would be released publicly.
Fuel removal due to start in December
The deputy chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy does not expect it to be safe or practical to remove absolutely all the liquids from the HMNZS 'Manawanui'. The fuel removal is expected to start in December, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) stated. It will be done by salvage companies Pacific 7 and Bay Underwater Services NZ. The first priority was to remove the bulk fuel first, which poses the largest environmental risk, then progressing to the smaller quantities of oils and other contaminants. The objective is to do everything practicable to limit or stop any potential damage to the environment. The operation to remove the fuel would be done as quickly and safely as possible, but this would be dependent on several factors, such as weather and sea conditions. The equipment needed for the fuel extraction is expected to leave New Zealand in the next week and should take about 10 days to arrive.
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding received interim Court of Inquiry report
The Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding has received the interim Court of Inquiry report into the sinking of the HMNZS 'Manawanui' and said the court had made good progress with its investigations, and was on track with interviews and evidence gathering. The interim report was directed to focus on what happened, while the final report will have the fuller context of why the incident occurred and lessons to be learnt, and also undergo an independent King’s Counsel legal review, and following that, we will look to release to the public later this month some of the key information about what happened. Relevant information would be made public as soon as practical. It was anticipated that the final report will be completed around the end of Feb 2025. The report will then be subject to an independent legal review and information is expected to be released publicly by late March. These dates are approximate and are subject to change.
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