The salvage operation for HMNZS Manawanui has reached a critical point, with the recovery barge and its cargo of equipment and pollutants now safely back in New Zealand. After months of challenging offshore work, the NZ Defence Force (NZDF) has completed a major phase of Operation Resolution, paving the way for future decisions about the fate of the stranded dive and hydrographic vessel.
Recovery barge returns with critical cargo
On 30 May, Commodore Andrew Brown, the NZDF’s Senior National Representative for Operation Resolution, confirmed the arrival of the salvage barge from Samoa. The vessel carried essential salvage gear, unusable fuel, oil, and seawater mix stored in tanktainers, and critical components retrieved from the seabed — including the ship’s detached azipod propulsion unit and both 3.3-tonne anchors with their chains.
“In the final days during the recovery work, the salvors carefully lifted the azipod that detached from the ship in the grounding, and the 3.3-tonne anchors with their chains, onto the barge for transport back to New Zealand,” said Commodore Brown.
FYI: Azipod is a marine propulsion system that uses a podded, 360° steerable propulsion unit, where the electric motor is located within a submerged pod, allowing ships to be more maneuverable and efficient.
The operation required precision to minimise environmental disturbance. Weather and underwater conditions around the grounding site on the south coast of Savai‘i, Samoa, added layers of complexity. As a precaution, Samoa’s Government has kept a 2km maritime exclusion zone in place around the wreck site.
Watch the full briefing from NZDF Senior National Representative, Commodore Andrew Brown.
Environmental safeguards remain in place
Throughout the salvage, environmental impact has remained a top concern. As the wreck site awaits its final assessment, monitoring continues under the direction of the Marine Pollution Advisory Committee. Reports from the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa have consistently shown the surrounding seawater to be clear of elevated hydrocarbon contamination — a reassuring finding for both local residents and the wider Pacific community.
“Until a decision is reached on next steps for the ship, and the work required for that begins, every effort has been taken to leave the Manawanui as safe and secure as possible,” Commodore Brown said.
In the meantime, environmental studies of the reef and ecosystem in the vicinity of the grounding are progressing. These will be crucial to informing the final decision about the ship’s future — whether it’s to be recovered, scrapped, or stabilised in place.
A moment to thank those below the surface
The salvage has been one of the most technically demanding maritime recovery efforts undertaken in the region. The teams from Pacific7 Limited and Bay Underwater Services NZ Limited were formally acknowledged in a small ceremony held by the NZDF for their work.
“Their highly skilled and expert capability ensured the success of what has been some extremely technical diving and salvage work,” said Commodore Brown.
The collaborative effort between these Kiwi commercial salvage specialists and Defence Force personnel highlighted the strength of New Zealand’s marine service sector and its ability to respond professionally in complex, remote conditions.
Now waiting for the Independent Wreck Assessment
With the major salvage assets now back on home shores, attention turns to the pending draft of the independent wreck assessment. That document, together with ecological studies from the surrounding marine environment, will form the basis for a government decision on the future of HMNZS Manawanui.
It remains unclear whether the vessel, grounded on 6 October 2024, will be refloated and repaired, dismantled and removed, or partially left in place. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the area is safe and that long-term planning is guided by thorough science and sound judgement.
As Commodore Brown noted, careful environmental and technical consideration remains the priority:
“These studies will provide valuable advice to inform government decisions, and it’s important the experts take the time to be careful and thorough.”
For the community — and for the crew
While the story of Manawanui has made headlines from Apia to Auckland, the significance of the grounding goes beyond naval operations. It’s a matter of regional cooperation, marine safety, and respect for the sensitive environments in which we all operate.
The NZDF and its partners have moved quickly and methodically to ensure risks were addressed, local communities were kept informed, and the future of the site can be shaped responsibly.
As the final phases of this operation draw closer, the hope is for a resolution that honours the vessel’s service, protects Samoa’s marine environment, and reflects the shared values of maritime responsibility in the Pacific.
