Read Authentic Ratings for the Manahau

In a significant development following a grounding incident involving the barge 'Manahau' on Carters Beach on August 31, 2024, Maritime NZ has taken decisive action after a comprehensive investigation. The vessel was engaged in transporting minerals from Westport to Nelson for export when the grounding occurred. While specific details about the actions taken remain confidential due to legal constraints, Maritime NZ has confirmed that the 'Manahau' was towed to Port Nelson and is currently under a detention notice. This measure will remain in effect until all regulatory standards ensuring safe maritime operations are satisfied. For any potential repairs overseas, Maritime NZ will evaluate all voyage and towage proposals before the vessel can depart Port Nelson. Should the operator seek to return the 'Manahau' to service in New Zealand, Maritime NZ aims to facilitate a secure reintegration into operations. Under international maritime law, Niue is designated the primary legal authority for the vessel, responsible for overseeing compliance with safety, environmental, and labor regulations. An investigation ordered by Westland Mineral Sands indicated that the grounding could have been avoided through better decision-making by the crew at critical moments. Concurrently, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has launched an inquiry into the incident. TAIC investigators are in the process of analyzing evidence, and a draft report is underway, with a final version expected no earlier than mid-2026. Mike Stewart, general manager of Westland Mineral Sands, acknowledged the necessity of learning from this incident and reiterates the company's commitment to collaborating with regulators to integrate these lessons into their operational framework. For more detailed information and visual documentation, please visit the report at https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360836977/maritime-nz-takes-action-after-barge-ran-aground-west-coast.

An extensive investigation has concluded that the grounding incident involving the 'Manahau' at Carters Beach in August was preventable. Conducted by Tim Burfoot, a former chief investigator with the Transport Accident Investigation Commission, the independent review indicated the vessel was fit for its intended purpose, adequately equipped, and well-supported by the company's shore-based management team. Despite accurate forecasts of weather and sea conditions, which provided abundant data for navigational choices, the grounding occurred due to critical decision-making missteps by the crew at key moments. Currently, most of the 11 crew members have returned home, while the 'Manahau' remains docked at Port Nelson. Concerns have been raised by both the Maritime Union and Merchant Service Guild regarding the welfare of the Indonesian and Burmese crew aboard. A repair plan has been submitted to RINA, the international certification organization, and the necessary repairs are expected to take about one month once the vessel enters dry dock. However, sourcing replacement propeller drives is anticipated to take several months. The WMS Group expressed disappointment over the delay caused by this avoidable incident, which has hindered their plans to export mineral sands directly from the West Coast. Both Maritime NZ and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission are continuing their investigations into the matter.

On September 7, the barge 'Manahau' made a safe landing at Port Nelson after an extensive salvage operation that included a 315-kilometer tow around Farewell Spit. The offshore towing vessel 'MMA Vision' played a crucial role in transporting the barge into Tasman Bay, aided by the tug 'Kurutai.' Upon nearing the port, local harbour tugs assisted in directing 'Manahau' safely to its berth. Following the successful operation, 'MMA Vision' returned to its home port of New Plymouth. The salvage strategy was meticulously crafted and executed by Westland Mineral Sands, with guidance from Maritime New Zealand to ensure adherence to safety and environmental regulations. The arrival of 'Manahau' also caught the attention of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission, which has initiated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the grounding. Investigators are currently assessing the vessel, retrieving pertinent ship records, and interviewing crew members, officials, and potential witnesses to gather comprehensive insights. For further details and visuals of the operation, visit the report at 1News.