A CONTAINERSHIP broken down off New Zealand will be towed to back to Wellington, but voyage details are still unconfirmed.
Singapore-flagged Shiling lost power and steering in heavy seas on 12 May. Oceangoing tug Skandi Emerald towed the ship to Tasman Bay, where it remains at anchor (on 18 May).
After some discussion earlier this week, the current plan is for Skandi Emerald to tow the stricken vessel to CentrePort Wellington.
But in a maritime response update on 17 May, Maritime NZ said planning around the timing and the voyage of the tow was ongoing.
Maritime NZ incident controller David Billington said Maritime NZ’s priority is ensuring the towage of the vessel from Tasman Bay to Wellington is undertaken as safely as possible.
He said a crew change for the Skandi Emerald was to occur on Wednesday, requiring the tug to come closer to shore. Supplies were also to be transported to the ship.
“A towage expert will also be boarding the Shiling [on 17 May] to support the connection between the two vessels, the tow plan and the voyage to Wellington,” Mr Billington said.
“They will be taken to the vessel by the Skandi Emerald.”
Once a passage and towing plan has been confirmed, the Skandi Emerald will tow Shiling to the port in Wellington.
Maritime NZ said timing around the departure and arrival at CentrePort are weather dependent.
In a previous update, on 16 May, Maritime NZ said the shipowner believes the fault it identified can be rectified in New Zealand.
It said CentrePort plans to draw on its experience in handling ships without main engines to facilitate Shiling’s arrival.
Maritime NZ said it is in discussion with the Wellington harbourmaster and the ship’s owners to ensure a safe, co-ordinated response.
