The Rena salvage operation is preparing for the winter months and the owners of the Rena are pleased with the progress so far.

A statement released on behalf of the owners of the MV Rena says planning is now currently underway in preparation for the next stages of the operation.

Salvage cranes lift containers and debris the forward section of Rena as the sun sets. Preparations are now being made for the next stages of the operation. Photo: Smit and Svitzer working in a joint salvage venture.

'As part of this process, the owners and insurers are in close liaison with Maritime New Zealand as they have been throughout the operation.

'All accessible containers in the bow section have now been removed, leaving just 18 damaged or empty containers in the section which remains on Astrolabe Reef.”

Smit Borneo is due to return to its home base in Singapore in the next few weeks as it has completed its contribution to the operations.

The statement also says the Smit/Svitzer joint venture has achieved this important milestone one month ahead of schedule.

'We thank them for their efforts and the positive contribution they have made over the past eight months.

'Braemar Howells, who have been responsible for retrieving lost containers and removing any debris which comes ashore since October 2011, will take on an expanded role to work inside the exclusion zone over the winter months, overseeing the wreck's safety and security, monitoring its status day to day, and minimizing and clearing any debris that escapes from the vessel through adverse weather conditions.”

Discussions are continuing with salvors regarding the technical aspects of wreck removal for future stages of the operation.