A man, who has appeared in Tauranga District Court today charged with operating a vessel in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk to any other person or property, has been granted interim name suppression.

Defence counsel Paul Mabey, QC, requested name suppression for the 44-year-old man to protect him from any harm.

A man has appeared in Tauranga District Court today charged under section 65 of the Maritime Transport Act.

He has also asked for a suppression on the man's occupation, which has been granted by the Judge.

The charges relate to the grounding of the cargo ship Rena, which ran aground on Astrolabe Reef on Wednesday, October 5.

Oil has come ashore and containers have fallen off the ship.

The accused was detained by police last night and was charged under section 65, of the Maritime Transport Act this morning.

Maritime New Zealand spokesperson Ewart Barnssley says the charge carries a maximum penalty of ten thousand dollars or 12 months in prison.

Media and public filled the Tauranga District Court to witness the hearing of the accused.

The accused has been remanded on bail and will appear in court on October 19, as other charges are likely to be laid.