MSC Baltic III bow section removed

Salvage crews have removed a large part of the bow section from the wreck of the containership MSC Baltic III in Newfoundland, Canada. The work is part of a major operation to dismantle and remove the vessel from the shore. The latest progress was reported by the Canadian Coast Guard and covered by Maritime Executive .

About 5,700 tonnes of the ship have now been removed, close to 50% of its total tonnage. The bow section was brought to shore, where it will be cut into smaller pieces and sent for recycling. The removed parts are taken to a recycling facility by barges or trucks.

The 207-metre MSC Baltic III lost power on February 15, 2025. In bad weather, the vessel ran aground in Newfoundland. The 20 crew members were safely evacuated by a Canadian Coast Guard helicopter.

The first phase of the response focused on removing fuel, cargo and other possible pollutants. The current phase is focused on taking the wreck apart. Resolve Marine is carrying out the work and has already removed the deckhouse, bridge, cranes, cargo equipment and hatch covers.

The remaining hull has also been pulled about 53 metres closer to shore. Crews continue the operation during high tides, when the higher water level provides more buoyancy.

Resolve Marine plans to continue the dismantling work as long as weather conditions allow. The project is expected to continue into 2027, including work to restore the shoreline after the wreck is removed.

 

Picture: Anne-Maria Gionet