Mobil has re-confirmed that they will foot the bill for the clean-up operation at Tauranga Harbour, following the spill of fuel oil from their pipeline on April 27.

'As we announced on April 28, we will reimburse the council for any direct costs incurred in the spill response and clean-up,” says Mobil Country Manager Andrew McNaught.

People cleaning oil off rocks in Tauranga Harbour. Photo: File.

'I have personally thanked the Bay of Plenty Regional Council for their outstanding efforts on the response and clean-up of affected areas.”

In addition, a claims process has been established to handle any claims directly resulting from the incident, and to date 75 calls have been received by the claims line.

Mobil will meet reasonable costs for cleaning and repair of damage directly related to the incident, says Andrew.

'The pipeline system to the wharf remains shut down,” he adds, 'while inspections and testing are carried out on all sections of the pipeline branches along the wharf to ensure their ongoing integrity.

'Mobil has requested support from its global organisation, and two pipeline experts from the United States are now on site this week to assist with the investigation into the incident.

'They will work with Mobil Oil New Zealand technical experts on site, and will fully cooperate with BOPRC as they undertake their investigation consistent with their role under the Resource Management Act.

'The priority is to understand how the failure occurred. Further metallurgical testing of the pipe will be required to understand the specific cause, and is expected to take some weeks.”

'Mobil is working with the Marina and boat owners to provide help and advice as the cleaning of boats impacted by oil progresses.

'We are also assisting where we can with the ongoing clean-up of the marina area, where a sheen is still visible in the water in some areas.”