Nearly a year after the MSC containership MSC Baltic III experienced a blackout and grounded in a secluded area of Newfoundland, Canada, salvage companies are now competing to remove the wreck. The initial cleanup efforts were largely completed before winter weather hindered progress, and the second phase of the operation is currently being organized. ABL Group, the vessel’s insurance company, recently concluded bidding for the removal project.
According to the Canadian Coast Guard, MSC is legally responsible for removing the MSC Baltic III from Cedar Cove. They are monitoring the situation and have confirmed that the bidding process has ended, with proposals now under review. A contract is anticipated to be awarded soon, although actual removal work may not commence until spring. The proposals will determine whether the vessel is to be removed from the shore or water, or a combination of both.
The MSC Baltic III lost power on February 15, 2025, leading to a dramatic helicopter rescue of its 20 crew members. At the time, the ship was carrying 471 containers and approximately 1,700 tonnes of fuel. T&T Marine Salvage was engaged for the initial phase, focusing on remediation and stabilization, which included removing fuel and other contaminants. The Qalipu First Nation has been monitoring the operation and reported that about 21 tonnes of fuel remain, posing additional challenges due to its viscous nature.
Recent storms have exacerbated structural damage to the vessel, causing further buckling in the hull plating and settling of the stern. The Canadian Coast Guard has observed additional damage in various areas, including below deck and in the ballast tank. As teams prepared for winter, some ballast tanks were flooded. The Coast Guard continues to monitor the vessel’s condition as weather permits.
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