The MSC Baltic III, a container ship that ran aground on February 15 off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, is currently undergoing salvage operations. The Canadian Coast Guard and T&T Marine Salvage teams are assessing the situation, which has revealed significant hull deformation and water ingress in the vessel’s engine room and cargo holds.
Facts and Figures (MSC Baltic III)
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The MSC Baltic III ran aground on February 15, 2023.
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Salvage teams have reported hull deformation and water ingress.
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The vessel is stable, with 75% of the hull resting on the seabed.
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No immediate plans to tow the vessel due to safety concerns.
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Approximately 470 containers are aboard, with over half empty.
Current Situation
The salvage operation is complicated by challenging weather conditions, including winds exceeding 60 mph. Despite these difficulties, teams managed to board the ship and deploy a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to survey the hull. The survey indicated that 75% of the hull is resting on the bottom, which is considered a positive sign as it reduces pressure on the structure.
Bruce English from the Canadian Coast Guard reported that the vessel is now firmly aground, which has stabilized its position. Initial observations of movement in the stern have ceased, indicating that the ship is no longer shifting in the waves.
Environmental Concerns
Efforts are underway to assess the amount of fuel and lubricants still in the tanks of the MSC Baltic III. The ship had been at sea since departing Montreal on February 5, before running aground. While there are concerns about potential oil leaks or pollution, no leaks have been observed thus far.
The Canadian Coast Guard has deployed the vessel Jean Goodwill to the area, equipped with materials to manage any potential spills. Although the vessel was allowed to enter Corner Brook, it will remain in Newfoundland to assist with the salvage operations.
Salvage (MSC Baltic III)
The immediate focus of the salvage operation will be to remove fuel and other hazardous materials from the MSC Baltic III. The ship is carrying approximately 470 containers, but over half of these are reported to be empty. The Coast Guard has indicated that they will also consider the removal of containers as part of the salvage plan.
Due to safety concerns, the Coast Guard has established a safety zone around the vessel and has imposed a no-fly zone for drones. The priority remains the safety of the crew and the surrounding environment as salvage options are explored.
Conclusion
The situation with the MSC Baltic III remains fluid as salvage teams work diligently to assess and mitigate the risks associated with the grounded vessel. With the ship now stable, the focus will shift to environmental protection and the safe removal of hazardous materials, ensuring that the incident does not escalate into a larger ecological disaster.
Sources
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Water Ingress and Hull Deformation Seen on Stranded MSC Baltic III, The Maritime Executive.
