Forecast weather conditions and a high tide of 1.9m at 8.13pm on Saturday will provide optimal conditions for the next attempt at refloating the coal vessel.

Ports Minister Joe Tripodi said further progress overnight, including another one degree of movement, has taken total movement to date to nine degrees since yesterday evening’s high tide.

“The salvage team has advised it will concentrate on preparing the Pasha Bulker today ahead of the attempted refloat on Saturday,” Tripodi said.