The owners of the container ship Rena wrecked on Astrolabe Reef have today had charges laid against them by Maritime New Zealand.

Greece-based Daina Shipping Company is charged under section 338 (1B) and 15(B) of the Resource Management Act 1991, which relates to the 'discharge of harmful substances from ships” in the coastal marine area.

Heavy swells hitting the bow section of the Rena. Photo Maritime New Zealand.

The charge carries a maximum fine of $600,000, and $10,000 for every day the offending continues.

Daina Shipping Co. is the registered owner of Rena, and has overall responsibility for the operation of the ship, which ran aground on Astrolabe Reef on October 5 2011.

The charge has been laid in the Tauranga District Court and is expected to have its first call on 25 May, the same day the master and second officer of Rena appear for sentencing on charges of operating a vessel in a manner likely to cause danger, for discharging a contaminant and on three charges under the Crimes Act for altering ship documents.

The captain has pleaded guilty to all charges, the second officer is yet to enter a plea on one of the charges.

No further charges will be laid by MNZ in relation to the grounding, and no further comment will be made by MNZ while the matter is before the courts.