Salvage methods are changing at the wreck of the container ship Rena to accommodate a new reality.

Container recovery is proceeding for the first time since the Rena's rear section sank nine days ago.

On Wednesday, 10 containers were lifted off the Rena's bow section, which remains fast on the Astrolabe Reef.

Maritime New Zealand salvage unit manager Kenny Crawford says new methods are being used to clear the bow section because the crane barge Smit Borneo cannot get close to the section's starboard side, where waves are breaking on the rock of the reef.

The containers are now being de-vanned (emptied) on deck and the contents removed by helicopter.

'The empty containers are dropped into the water where we pick them up from the water onto the barge,” says Kenny.

There have been no reports of fresh oil coming ashore from the wreck this week, though there is still a sheen seen on the surface near the wreck.

The total amount remaining onboard is based on guesswork.

Maritime New Zealand national on scene commander Mick Courtnell says there are also no new reports of wildlife becoming oiled.

Breamar Howells spokesman Grant Dyson passed on the thanks of the container recovery teams for quick calls from Waihi Beach residents who reported the plywood and MDF washing ashore there on Thursday.

It meant they were quickly able to start working on clearing it up, says Grant.

Breamar Howells has recovered or located a total of 64 containers since the Rena broke up, and has three suspected containers located on the seabed between the wreck and Motiti Island.

Photos and video shot today by Tracy Hardy