The next stage of salvage work/wreck removal of the Rena is beginning with new equipment that will enable container wreckage to be collected without the use of divers.

Up until now, Braemar Howells has been using 'sophisticated” equipment in its Rena clean-up operations.

A helicopter hovers over Rena's empty holds where all the hatch covers have been removed.

Now the observation class Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV) used to locate submerged container wreckage is being replaced by a working class version – which will be used in Rena recovery operations from next week.

A Braemar Howells spokesperson says while the observation class equipment provided the 'eyes” to confirm sightings, the replacement ROV features a manipulating arm that can hook up and move scrap wreckage.

Surveys of areas favoured by breeding dotterels have also been completed on Matakana Island this week and collection of debris is underway.

This flotsam includes plastic gloves, ply boards, beads, timber, and food packets.

Rena recovery work will not take place on this Bay of Plenty island during the dotterel breeding season, says the spokesperson.

Teams are heading further down the East Coast to begin surveying beaches there, in preparation for debris retrieval which has washed ashore following recent rough weather.

Plans are also being made, under the auspices of the Rena owners, for the removal of scrap on the seabed around the Rena.

Mooring chains are now in place at the Rena for the Unimar recovery barge, which will be receiving the scrap.