The first containers have been removed from the ship stuck on a reef off New Caledonia.
The Kea Trader Photo: AFP
The Kea Trader, which ran aground in as yet unexplained circumstances on the Durand Reef last month, is also being emptied of its fuel.
So far about half of the 750000 litres of fuel has been taken by helicopter to a nearby barge as salvage efforts continue.
A large helicopter is due from Australia in the next few days to remove more of the hundreds of containers.
The accident has delayed the delivery of goods and supplies which has impacted on trade and businesses.
The authorities said there had been no spillage and hopes are high the new ship can be dislodged once most of its cargo has been removed.
