Authorities in Newfoundland and Labrador have agreed on a final plan to remove the wreck of the MSC Baltic III, with contractors set to dismantle the vessel in sections and haul it ashore for recycling.

The operation will see the grounded containership cut into manageable blocks before being pulled onto land, a method chosen to reduce environmental risks and avoid the complexity of refloating a heavily damaged hull. Officials indicated that the approach offered the safest and most controlled way to deal with the wreck after months of assessment.

The ship ran aground in February last year, leaving authorities weighing several salvage options, including refloating and towing. However, structural concerns and exposure to harsh Atlantic conditions made those alternatives less viable. Salvage teams determined that dismantling the vessel on-site would limit further deterioration and reduce the risk of debris spreading along the coastline.

Preparatory work has already begun, including site stabilisation and environmental protection measures. Crews have been working to remove remaining pollutants and secure the area before heavy cutting equipment is mobilised. The next stage will involve segmenting the hull and gradually removing the pieces using specialised lifting and hauling systems.

Local officials and project managers indicated the removal plan had been shaped by both safety considerations and the need to protect nearby communities and fisheries. The coastline where the vessel grounded is known for strong currents and difficult weather, factors that have complicated earlier intervention efforts.

The project is expected to take several months, with timelines dependent on weather windows and sea conditions. Contractors will also have to manage the logistics of transporting dismantled sections for recycling once they are brought ashore.

The second phase of the operation has been awarded to Resolve Marine following a tender run by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and its insurers. Earlier work, including the removal of fuel and cargo, was carried out by T&T Salvage. In total, 409 of the vessel’s 472 containers were discharged during 2025, many of them empty but some carrying hazardous cargo. Attention is now turning to the remaining 63 containers still onboard, most of which are damaged and waterlogged. Salvage teams are expected to remove these units first before progressing with the cutting programme. Once the bow section is hauled ashore, crews will also open fuel tanks for further clean-up, with sections of the hull to be removed progressively as dismantling advances.