30 May 2025
Update: 4:33pm NZDT
The latest on Operation Resolution.
The latest on Operation Resolution.
Operation Resolution update 30 May | NZ Defence Force
- We’ve reached an important stage in the Manawanui response, with the salvors’ barge returning to New Zealand from Samoa and commencing demobilisation, NZDF Senior National Representative for Operation Resolution, Commodore Andrew Brown said.
- “On board was the equipment and debris from in and around HMNZS Manawanui that could not be repurposed, along with tanktainers containing the unusable diesel fuel, oil, seawater mix. These will be processed for safe disposal.”
- Commodore Brown said, “In the final days during the recovery work, the salvors carefully lifted the azipod that detached from the ship in the grounding, and the 3.3 tonne anchors with their chains, onto the barge for transport back to New Zealand.”
- “It was a delicate operation to ensure the least impact was made on the surrounding environment, and removed any potential risk during a significant weather event. The NZDF will take custody of these from the salvors.”
- Commodore Brown said, “We’ve also taken the opportunity to officially acknowledge the salvors, Pacific 7 Limited & Bay Underwater Services NZ Limited, in a small ceremony. Their highly skilled and expert capability ensured the success of what has been some extremely technical diving and salvage work.”
- “With the focus clearly on the next steps for Manawanui, we await the draft independent wreck assessment for New Zealand agencies review. Expert studies of the reef and environment in the vicinity of Manawanui, will inform and sit alongside this assessment. These studies will provide valuable advice to inform government decisions, and it’s important the experts take the time to be careful and thorough.”
- Commodore Brown said, “Until a decision is reached on next steps for the ship, and the work required for that begins, every effort has been taken to leave the Manawanui as safe and secure as possible. For safety reasons the Government of Samoa’s Prohibited Area of 2kms around Manawanui, remains in place.”
- “Directed by the Marine Pollution Advisory Committee working group chair to carry on regular monitoring to provide a level of assurance to the community, the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa reports have continued to show the seawater in the area clear and uncontaminated from elevated hydrocarbons.”
- Commodore Brown said, “As we bid farewell to salvors Pacific 7 and Bay Underwater Services, we say thank you for the professional way you have carried out the work to remove the diesel fuel and other pollutants.”
The salvor's tug and barge return to Whangarei.
