Final removal of beached container ship planned
MSC Napoli was beached in January 2007
Also In The News
|
Columbian international striker Hugo Rodallega could be heading to Steve Bruce's Wigan side later this month. |  |
Tuesday, 06, Jan 2009 11:04
Lime Bay will see the final part of beached container ship MSC Napoli removed by this summer, it has been announced.
The vessel was deliberately beached there in January 2007 after being damaged in a violent Channel storm.
Container ships floating ashore resulted in members of the public scavenging items as maritime experts struggled to prevent the ship's oil leaking in what would have caused an environmental disaster.
The wreck was broken up in July 2007 with the bow part of the ship removed through an explosion and taken to Belfast for disposal and recycling.
That left the Napoli's stern still in Lime Bay and it will remain there until August, it was announced today.
The vessel's owners have placed a contract with a newly-established Netherlands-based firm, Global Response Maritime, who will use a crane barge, two 140m flat-top barges and other equipment to complete the job.
Test-drilling will begin by the end of March and lifting will be ready to commence in June, with the project completed during August.
Hugh Shaw, the government's representative for maritime salvage and intervention, said: "I am delighted that the owners have placed another contract for the removal of the final section of the MSC Napoli.
"From the onset of the incident they have shown tremendous resolve and commitment to remove the bunkers, cargo and the wreck. This contract marks the final piece of the jigsaw and I look forward to a successful operation."