The effects of Auckland's fuel shortage appear to be easing.

Airlines have been forced to operate on only 30 percent of their usual gas allowance, after the pipeline from Marsden Point was ruptured last week.

Energy Minister Judith Collins said 14 flights have been cancelled today.

"A significant drop from the 36 cancelled yesterday, and I expect they will continue to reduce," she said.

The damaged part of the pipeline has this morning been removed, and contractors are welding the new piece in.

Refining New Zealand thinks things will be back to normal by early next week.

Meanwhile, a New Zealand Navy vessel has been loaded with diesel fuel to transport to the country's ports in the wake of the fuel crisis.

The HMNZS Endeavour can carry the equivalent of 150 road tankers full of fuel, which will free up commercial tankers to focus on transporting aviation fuel.

Major General Tim Gall said how it's incredible to see so many agencies working together to resolve the issue.

"It's things like this - thinking back to earthquakes and things like that - that actually drag the organisation together in terms of national capability of industry and government and defence, and various other people."