High-tide restriction 'knee-jerk'

By STUART DYE

A decision to allow ships to enter or leave Manukau Harbour only during the hour before high tide has been branded a "knee-jerk reaction".

Authorities are still investigating how the Spirit of Enterprise hit the sand bar at the harbour entrance on Auckland's west coast.

The 4500-tonne freighter lost its rudder when it struck the bar last Saturday.

Auckland harbourmaster James McPetrie is imposing the restriction after discussions with port officials and the Maritime Safety Authority.

It applies to all ships with a draught (distance from the keel to the waterline) of 6m or more.

But Pacifica Shipping, owner of the Spirit of Enterprise, says the move is premature and impractical.

"Until all inquiries are completed we do not know what caused this incident, so a one-hour restriction may have no relevance at all," said operations manager Anita Gardner.

Ship masters assessed the risks before entering or leaving a harbour, taking into account the weather, swell, tide and their vessels' draught, she said.

"They absolutely cannot rely on the proposed protection of a one-hour window before high tide.

"Rushing in to impose such a rigid shipping restriction ... is really just a knee-jerk reaction."

The stricken freighter has been towed to Lyttelton for repairs.

Further reading: nzherald.co.nz/marine