Salvage teams are making significant headway in the complex operation to remove containers and fuel from the grounded MSC Baltic III off Newfoundland. The vessel, which ran aground on February 15 after a power blackout, has been the focus of a three-month-long effort to mitigate environmental risks and prepare for potential future removal.
Salvage crews have been diligently working to extract fuel and containers from the MSC Baltic III. The process is slow due to the need to heat the heavy fuel before it can be pumped. Approximately half of the estimated 1,600 metric tons of heavy fuel and marine gas oil onboard has been removed. This fuel is transferred to storage tanks on the vessel’s deck, then to a barge, and finally to other MSC vessels in Corner Brook.
Approximately 230 cubic meters of fuel have been removed.
115 containers, about a quarter of the total, have been removed.
The EEMS Dublin cargo ship is being used as a walk-to-work platform and for hoisting containers.
Challenges and Environmental Concerns
The salvage operation has faced numerous challenges, primarily due to the remote location and adverse weather conditions, which have improved recently. The vessel sustained significant hull damage, with the engine room and cargo holds flooded. While the immediate focus is on pollution mitigation, small amounts of residual oil have been observed, including tar balls on the shoreline.
Weather conditions, particularly during winter and early spring, have hampered operations.
A light vehicle road has been constructed to improve personnel access to the remote site.
The vessel’s hull has multiple cracks, leading to water ingress.
Monitoring of the shoreline continues for any signs of oil pollution.
The Grounding Incident
The MSC Baltic III grounded on February 15 in a remote cove on Newfoundland’s western shore after experiencing a full power blackout during a winter storm. All 20 crew members were safely airlifted from the vessel shortly after the incident. The Canadian Coast Guard, in cooperation with MSC, has been overseeing the salvage efforts, prioritizing the removal of fuel and hazardous materials to prevent further environmental impact.
Future Outlook
There is currently no public timeline for the full salvage completion or how the vessel might eventually be removed from the shoreline, given its extensive damage. The Canadian Coast Guard has indicated that the vessel cannot be safely refloated at this time. The ongoing efforts remain concentrated on minimizing pollution and securing the site.
Sources
Canadian Coast Guard Reports Progress on MSC Baltic III Salvage, The Maritime Executive.
CCG reports progress on MSC Baltic III salvage operation, Chamber of Shipping.
