Spill response case studies

Cases of spill responses in New Zealand and beyond

Cases of spill responses in New Zealand and beyond

MV Rena

Rena was carrying 1,368 containers and 1,733 tonnes of heavy fuel oil when it struck the Astrolabe Reef and grounded. Significant amounts of oil leaked into the environment after conditions deteriorated.

Rena response


Deepwater Horizon oil spill

Deepwater Horizon fire


Tai Ping

After being grounded for nine days, the vessel (carrying 9,500 tonnes of urea fertiliser) was successfully refloated without a drop of oil being spilled near the entrance to Bluff Harbour.

Tai Ping grounding


Jody F Millennium

The Jody F Millennium ran aground in Gisborne after breaking free from her moorings. Poor conditions forced the ship to remain at sea and led to twenty-five tonnes of fuel oil spilling onto surrounding beaches.

Jody F Millennium response


Montara oil spill

MNZ was asked to assist the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in responding to an offshore blowout at the Montara well platform in the Timor Sea. A fire eventually broke out on the platform.

Montara Well response