MSC BALTIC III

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Gradual progress in oil removal

Salvage teams have been making gradual progress in removing fuel and cargo from the 'MSC Baltic III', but the efforts are still being affected by rough spring weather, as the exposed cove makes it difficult for teams to access the vessel on some days. Nearly 230 cubic meters of fuel had been offloaded from the vessel by mid-week. Out of this, 195 cubic meters were transferred from the barge onto the 'MSC Celine'. The Coast Guard clarified that the difference in volume is due to leftover oil that remained in the storage tanks, also known as frac tanks, after the transfer. The oil must first be heated to allow pumping from the ship’s internal tanks to the frac tanks positioned on the deck. Once those tanks are full, they are too heavy to lift directly. The fuel must be reheated and pumped again into tanks aboard the barge positioned beside the vessel. Currently, four frac tanks on the 'MSC Baltic III' are full and waiting for a clear weather window to pump the contents out. Once emptied, these four tanks will account for approximately one-fourth of the total fuel onboard being removed.The ship initially carried about 1.7 million liters of heavy fuel oil and marine gas oil. Soundings taken from the tanks confirmed this quantity when the salvage began. The 'MSC Celine' had docked in Corner Brook between April 25 and 26 to receive the fuel, which had earlier been stored in tanks on a barge. The ship has since departed on its usual route and headed towards Freeport. 14 containers were recently removed from the deck using the ship’s onboard cranes. These were transferred to a barge and taken by tug to Corner Brook for offloading. Earlier, eight containers carrying hazardous polymer beads- considered dangerous cargo, had also been removed. The vessel carried about 470 containers in total, of which 283 were reported to be empty. Three of the empty boxes were torn open due to severe weather conditions. Despite this, officials stated the main priority remains the safe removal of fuel and prevent pollution. The hull has multiple cracks, and water has entered the cargo holds and the engine room. The structure of the ship has also deformed, and it appears to have settled firmly onto the seabed. To assist ongoing operations, contractors hired by MSC have started building an access road from Little Port to the grounded site. This road will help move workers and equipment more efficiently. Earlier, it was announced that a bridge would also be built to connect with the bow of the ship, reducing reliance on favorable weather for access.

14 containers and 250 cbm fuel removed

On May 2 MSC has confirmed they have hired contractors to start building a road to the 'MSC Baltic III'. 14 cargo containers have been removed from the vessel and placed on the barge to be transported to the container terminal in Corner Brook. Four frac tanks, used to remove fuel, aboard the vessel are full and waiting to be pumped to the barge for final removal. 250 cube metres of fuel have been removed from the vessel to date.

230 cbm fuel removed

Salvage crews working aboard the'MSC Baltic lll' have removed 230 cbm of fuel from the vessel, filling four frac tanks onboard the barge. The recovered fuel had been transferred to the 'MSC Celine' alongside in Corner Brook on April 26. Approximately 1475 cubic metres of fuel were remaining on the vessel, and operations to removal the fuel were taking place when weather conditions were permitting it.