Manahau

Maritime NZ has taken action after an investigation into the grounding of the 'Manahau' on Carters Beach on Aug 31, 2024, shipping minerals from Westport to Nelson for export, but could not publicly discuss what action was taken citing legal considerations. The vessel was subsequently towed to Port Nelson, where it has remained under a Maritime NZ detention notice. Maritime NZ has completed a thorough investigation and, based on the findings, has set clear expectations for future compliance. The detention order will be lifted only once all regulatory requirements that ensure safe activity have been met. If the vessel was towed for repairs overseas, Maritime NZ would review any proposed voyage and towage plans before the vessel was permitted to leave Port Nelson. If the operator wishes to resume service in New Zealand, the focus will be on supporting a safe return to the extent possible using the tools available to Maritime NZ. Under international maritime law, Niue held primary legal jurisdiction over the vessel, including responsibility for ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and labour standards. An investigation commissioned by Westland Mineral Sands found the grounding was avoidable if better decision-making by the crew at several key points during the incident had taken place. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) also opened an inquiry into the grounding. TAIC investigators had collected and analysed most of the evidence needed and a draft report was being written. A final report was not likely to be published before mid 2026. The Westland Mineral Sands general manager Mike Stewart acknowledged there were important lessons to be learned and would continue to work with regulators to ensure those insights were embedded into operations. Report with photos: https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360836977/maritime-nz-takes-action-after-barge-ran-aground-west-coast

An investigation has found the grounding of the 'Manahau' on Carters Beach in August could have been avoided. The company has completed its independent investigation into the incident, led by Tim Burfoot, a former chief investigator for the Transport Accident Investigation Commission. The investigation found that it was fit for purpose, equipped with the necessary capabilities and properly supported by the company's shore-based management team. While the weather and sea conditions had been forecast accurately and sufficient information was available to make informed navigational decisions, the grounding was ultimately avoidable. The findings indicated that better decision-making by the crew at several key points during the incident could have prevented the vessel from running aground. Most of the 11 shipping staff from had now returned home and the 'Manahau' remained docked at Port Nelson. Both the Maritime Union and Merchant Service Guild had voiced concerns about the welfare of the Indonesian/Burmese crew aboard the ship. A repair plan has been submitted to RINA, the international certification body, and the necessary work will take approximately one month once the vessel is in dry dock. Replacement propeller drives will take several months to procure. The WMS Group was deeply disappointed that a preventable event had delayed its plans to export mineral sand direct from the West Coast and it was working to return the 'Manahau' into service. The investigations by Maritime NZ and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission were ongoing.

The 'MAnahau' has berthed in Port Nelson oni Sep 7 after being successfully refloated and towed 315 kilometers around Farewell Spit before the offshore towing vessel M'MA Vision' brought it into Tasman Bay with the support of the tug 'Kurutai', which then towed the barge into the port, supported by harbour tugs, while the 'MMA Vision' was released to return to New Plymouth. The Westland Mineral Sands had developed and implemented the plan for the salvage and towing operation under the supervision of Maritime NZ. The Tasman and Nelson Harbour Masters were involved prior to the vessel's arrival to ensure safety and environmental protection. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an inquiry into the grounding, with a team of investigators inspecting the vessel, recovering the ship's records, interviewing the crew, authorities and any other witnesses. Report with photo: https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/09/08/manahau-barge-berths-in-nelson-after-successful-refloating/