Tug Barge to Remove Fuel from Manawanui undergo changes at Apia Wharf

By Lagi Keresom/

Apia, Samoa – 20 December 2024 – The salvage tug barge tasked with removing fuel from the HMNZS Manawanui vessel is undergoing some reconfiguration at the Apia wharf before it is towed to the south coast where the vessel sunk.

The NZDF’s Senior National Representative for Operation Resolution, Commodore Andrew Brown said in a press release that essential engineering changes and equipment preparation to operational diving mode.

He said “an underwater survey of anchoring sites has also been conducted by the salvors to confirm installation locations for the barge’s anchoring system and this will be presented to the Samoan authorities for endorsement.”

He said it’s important that the salvor go through the proper approvals and permission to allow the fuel and other pollutants removal to commence.

Once work on the barge in Apia is finished, it will be towed to the southwest coast and anchored over the Manawanui. The fuel and pollutants removal will commence when final site and equipment preparations and Health and Safety checks are complete.

Samoa is currently into the cyclone season and Com. Brown said the weather and sea conditions will play a major part in how long the operation will take.

This week, Commodore Brown and New Zealand government officials met with the Safata district representatives at Tafitoala village.

Meeting with the community representatives at Tafitoala village.

Lotofaga village mayor Pitoamoa Vaasatia told Talamua “We are pleased that work to remove what we fear will damage the marine life will begin soon, especially now that we are experiencing bad weather.”

He said the meeting updated them with the next step especially on how the removal process will take place and they were also informed of the Scientific Research Organization of Samoa (SROS) report and the precautionary zone affecting fishing.

Commodore Brown said it was a privilege for him to sit alongside the Samoan official as they engage with the Safata community and was humbled by the community’s generosity and welcoming spirit.

He believes the community appreciated the fact-based information presented to the community and it was obvious that they appreciated this.

“It was also clear that the safe removal of fuel and other pollutants from HMNZS Manawanui is important to the local community and we are absolutely focussed on doing a careful and thorough job,” he said.

He said while this response is complex and technical, New Zealand is committed to doing the right thing.