The insurance cover for Rena, the ship grounded on Astrolabe Reef and leaking oil into the sea, includes pollution liability.

In a statement issued today by Rena's owner, Costamare, the Greek company says its insurance underwriter, The Swedish Club, is 'one of the world's most respected marine mutual insurers”.

Rena stranded on Astrolabe Reef, 25km from Tauranga, for more than 14 days.

It goes on to say: 'together with our salvors, contractors and other experts are doing everything that can be done to minimise the effects of the pollution and will continue to do so”.

The Swedish Club is reported in Costamare's statement to say:

'Costamare has had ships entered for cover with the Swedish Club for some 30 years. This cover includes pollution liabilities. The owner's obligations in this situation will be met in full. Both Costamare and the Swedish Club deeply regret that this accident has occurred and that environmental damage has resulted.”

The statement says Costamare is grateful to the authorities, the salvors and the experts on site for 'working tirelessly in order to salvage the vessel, its cargo and fuel oil and reduce the environmental consequences of the regrettable grounding”.
'We also wish to thank the numerous volunteers for their extraordinary efforts in the clean-up operations, which by all accounts, have made a huge difference.”
'Costamare has a long history of environmental sensitivity and takes this casualty with the utmost seriousness.”

'While it would be premature for us to say anything further while the salvage operation is on-going, Costamare will be there to do the right thing, as the situation becomes clearer.”