American company Resolve have been appointed by the Rena's owners and insurers as the salvors to undertake the next stage of the Rena wreck.

Daina Shipping, a subsidary of Costamare who owns the Rena, director Konstantinos Zacharatos made the announcement on behalf of the Rena's owners during a visit to Motiti Island today.

Konstantinos Zacharatos announced US savlors Resolve will be joining the next stage of the Rena salvage operation while visiting Tauranga this week. Photo right: 3News.

'After the grounding in October last year we have been closely managing the work of our environmental agents (Braemar Howells) and salvors (Svitzer).

'The appointment of Resolve is the next important step in dealing with the issues arising from this regrettable incident.”

The next stage of salvage will involve the reduction of the wreck's bow, which remains above water at Astrolabe Reef.

Captain John Owen, the senior claims manager with The Swedish Club, the Rena's insurer, says Resolve will be responsible for the reduction of the bow section, using helicopters to lift sections as they were cut.

'This is a very difficult and potentially dangerous location to conduct operations.

'The Resolve plan means that we can continue to reduce the wreck in a controlled and safe manner.”