Salvors were expecting to be settled into their new lodgings aboard the crane barge Smit Borneo today and anchored to the Rena.
Maritime New Zealand said it was anticipated that, weather permitting, the barge will head out to Rena today. It would take at least a day to get the barge into position and set the anchors in place for container removal.
Living in the accommodation block aboard Smit Borneo means the salvors no longer need to be flown to the Rena daily by helicopter, saving money, travel time and allowing them to be permanently available on the scene.
"The great majority [of the salvors] will stay on the Smit Borneo. This is very strategically important. It reduces travel time and its costs associated with helicopters and shuttle boat runs," Svitzer spokesman Matt Watson said.
Motion sensors on Rena yesterday confirmed no significant change has occurred in the condition of the wreck which remains in a fragile state, and the weather is expected to continue improving as winds drop. There is a maximum 3m swell at Astrolabe Reef but this, too, is expected to decrease in the next few days.
