Container salvage operations are focused on Matakana Island today with about 20 containers believed to have washed ashore there overnight.

Braemar Howells spokesman Grant Dyson says more have also washed ashore at Waihi Beach overnight.

Matakana Island beaches are awash with trash washed up there from broken containers leaked into the sea from the wrecked Rena.

He thinks about 32 containers have now washed ashore after the Rena broke up in bad weather on Saturday night, dropping about 150 containers into the sea.

Grant says the plan is to remove the containers from Waihi Beach as soon as possible.

He says the fastest and safest method of removing the containers given the current sea state is to remove their contents before taking them away by road.

Braemar Howells, which has the cargo salvage contract, sent a fast response boat and two tugs out at first light today to ensure shipping lanes and approaches to Tauranga Harbour remain free of any containers that pose a navigation hazard.

Port operations are continuing as normal.

In an effort to stop any more containers washing ashore, any close to the coast will also be towed.

Sonar sweeps looking for containers on the sea floor are being carried out between Waihi and Papamoa.

Large amounts of debris have been collected at sea and when conditions allow it is hoped to use nets to trawl for more.

Waves crash on a container beached at Matakana Island with Karewa Island seen in the distance.

Timber debris is a feature of the beach-scape at Matakana Island today.

Matakana Island residents visit the scene of timber debris.

Among the debris to wash ashore at Matakana Island is a sofa.

A containers collapsed in the surf at Matakana Island.

A container washed ashore at Matakana Island close-up.