Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) has charged the owner of the cargo vessel Rena, following the ship’s grounding on Astrolabe Reef off Tauranga on 5 October.

Greece-based Daina Shipping Co has been 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.

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.

The charge has been laid in the Tauranga District Court and is expected to have its first call on 25 May.

The prosecution follows the 29 February guilty pleas by the Master and Second Officer of Rena to charges laid by MNZ last year.

The two men are scheduled to be sentenced in the Tauranga District Court on 25 May.

No further charges will be laid by MNZ in relation to the grounding.

MNZ will make no further comment while the matter is before the courts.