The French government says weather conditions off New Caledonia are good now and allow for a bid to refloat the new container ship stuck on Durand Reef since July.
The Kea Trader Photo: AFP
The Kea Trader hit the reef on a voyage from Papeete to Noumea at about 35 kilometres an hour for reasons yet to be explained.
The French High Commission said tugs are now in the area to try to dislodge the ship while a navy vessel is on standby to assist in case of any pollution probelms.
The Chinese-built vessel, which is almost 200 metres long, will be recycled.
So far, the salvage operation has cost about $US30 million.
