Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) has mobilised over 100 people in its response to the grounding of the container vessel Rena on Astrolabe Reef off Tauranga.

Trials of dispersants are continuing today after inconclusive results yesterday. Expert advice was that dispersants were the best option for dealing with any spilled oil. It is not practical to put booms around the vessel because they are designed for in-shore use. They cannot be used in deep water or on a reef far from shore.

Click here to read the full update from Maritime NZ >>