The Canadian Coast Guard has reported significant progress in the removal operation of the wrecked containership, MSC Baltic III. The operation, led by Resolve Marine, has surpassed the halfway point in terms of tonnage. Recent images reveal that the hull has been extensively dismantled. As of September 27, the bow and midship sections were successfully moved an additional 42 meters to the shore. The vessel, which measured 207 meters in length and had a deadweight tonnage of 33,767, has seen accelerated dismantling efforts, particularly during the summer months.
On September 9, a substantial portion of the bow was removed and brought ashore. Following this, the hull was split at the site of a crack sustained when the vessel ran aground in 2025. The Coast Guard noted that moving the forward section closer to the shoreline has facilitated access for recycling operations. A large crane has been positioned on the scrap pad to assist with lifting and transporting sections of the hull for recycling. By early October, approximately 6,086 tonnes of the wreck had been removed, accounting for nearly 55 percent of the total tonnage.
While cutting and removal activities continue, efforts are also underway to clean tanks and lines to eliminate residual fuel. The Coast Guard has deployed absorbent booms to mitigate any potential pollution. Resolve Marine, contracted by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and insurance firms, aims to complete as much work as possible before winter weather sets in, with a final cleanup and shoreline restoration expected in 2027. The MSC Baltic III lost power during a winter storm on February 15, 2025, leading to its grounding off the coast of Newfoundland, where a complex rescue operation was conducted to evacuate the crew.
