Canadian Coast Guard Faces Challenges in Salvaging Grounded MSC Baltic III

Twelve days after the containership MSC Baltic III (33,767 dwt) ran aground in Canada during a winter storm, the Canadian Coast Guard has determined that the vessel cannot be safely refloated. Efforts to salvage the ship have been hindered by ongoing bad weather, with the focus now shifting to removing fuel and potential contaminants on board. The vessel was abandoned on February 15 after being stranded on the rocky shoreline of western Newfoundland, prompting a helicopter rescue mission for the crew.

Since the ship’s grounding, winter storms have continued to pose challenges for the salvage operation. The Coast Guard has faced difficulties in accessing the vessel due to rough weather conditions, with divers confirming significant breaches in the hull below the waterline. Despite settling firmly on the seabed, there have been no major breaches above the waterline so far, although deformations in the hull and a possible crack have been observed.

Given the vessel’s current condition, the Coast Guard has decided that it is not safe to refloat it. The priority now is to focus on removing the fuel and cargo on board, which includes approximately 1.7 million liters of heavy fuel oil and marine gas. Plans are being considered to pump the fuel to shore due to challenges in getting a salvage vessel alongside. Additionally, efforts are underway to remove containers with polymer beads (nurdles) and other potentially hazardous materials.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the looming threat of further winter storms that could worsen the vessel’s condition. The Coast Guard is exploring alternative access routes to the remote location, including repairing a road and building an access point from shore to the bow of the ship. The race against time continues as authorities work to mitigate risks and prevent potential pollution in the face of challenging weather conditions.

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