THE STRICKEN containership Shiling remained at sea over the weekend after breaking down off New Zealand.
The Singapore-flagged vessel lost power and steering in heavy seas on Friday (12 May).
Oceangoing tugboat Skandi Emerald was dispatched after the ship put out a mayday call. The mayday call was lifted once the ship was connected to the tug at around 1630 on Friday evening.
Maritime NZ reported over the weekend that the ship was “safely anchored” at Tasman Bay over Saturday night. It understands an agreement has been made for Shiling to be towed to Wellington.
Maritime NZ said on Sunday the shipowner had been working to confirm a suitable location for the vessel to safely anchor or berth.
It said the owner’s agent contacted CentrePort Wellington due to the size and position of the vessel.
“While the decisions around passage, anchoring locations and towage are managed by the owners of the Shiling, Maritime NZ has oversight, and is liaising with CentrePort and the Wellington harbour master to ensure the process is managed safely,” Maritime NZ incident controller Kenny Crawford said.
“The Skandi Emerald is a very capable towage vessel, and its crew are highly experienced in traversing conditions such as what could be experienced in the Cook Strait.”
As the passage plan is developed, a risk assessment will be undertaken under the oversight of the Maritime Incident Response Team.
Maritime NZ said on Sunday no formal decision had yet been made around the timing of the vessel’s departure from Tasman Bay or its arrival in Wellington.
It said the Wellington harbour master and CentrePort management have been in contact with the regulator about the Shiling’s passage to Wellington. It noted payment for the tow is managed by the Shiling’s owners and their insurers.
