MSC Napoli - Latest

[Guest]

This from the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) web site @ http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=2951C431383F7408&m=6&y=2009

Press Notice No: 186-09
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Posted 16:42 GMT

OPERATION TO LIFT FINAL SECTION OF MSC NAPOLI BEGINS

The operation to lift the remaining hull of the MSC Napoli has begun.


Paul Glerum of GR Maritime showing Hugh Shaw one of the chain pullers.

1100 metres of heavy duty 76mm chain has been laid under the hull of the vessel which was beached off Branscombe in Devon in January 2007. These chains have been installed after a drilling operation on the seabed which took place earlier in the year.

These chains have now been connected to 24 hydraulic pullers sited on two barges (12 on each) and all of the pullers are connected to a single computer controller which will provide an evenly balanced pull.

A test lift was undertaken recently and the bow was lifted by 2m and the stern by 30cm.

However a number of chains have been replaced as the chalky mud upon which the hull lies is extremely heavy and dense and was even fouling the chain links preventing free movement.

Three cutters and four cranes spread across the two static barges are standing by to cut and remove portions of the hull as the wreck is raised. A further crane barge will be on scene ready to remove the cut sections.

Hugh Shaw, Secretary of States Representative in Maritime Salvage and Intervention (SOSREP) said

The methodology utilised by Global Response Maritime by drilling under the hull is, as far as we are aware, unique, and we are very confident that the final phase of the Napoli removal is under way.

I am also very encouraged that given the clear water weve seen around the vessel and from underwater video footage obtained by divers suggest that there is no threat of pollution during the cutting and lifting phase. A final seabed survey will be undertaken before I sign off this project.

It is a credit to owners Metvale and their managers Zodiac, together with underwriters London Steamship for their tenacity and commitment to the end of this highly complex project.

Regards

[Guest]

Courtesy of the MCA web site @ http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=A364463A10B6121A&m=7&y=2009

Press Notice No: 215/09
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Posted 11:11 GMT

THE HULL OF THE MSC NAPOLI BREAKS THE SURFACE

The operation to lift the remaining section of the MSC Napoli was successfully completed yesterday afternoon. Cutting has now commenced and will now continue in accordance with the agreed salvage plan.

The wreck is now suspended, fully supported by the lifting chains, and locked in place by the 24 chain pullers. Following a parbuckling operation the wreck now has a 2 degree list and a 2 degree trim.

Cutting operations commenced shortly after the lift and will now continue in accordance with the agreed salvage plan.

There are no reports of any pollution in the vicinity of the wreck.

A temporary exclusion zone of 500 metres around the wreck remains in place.

The current contract includes the total removal of the stern, including the main engine, together with delivery of all scrap to the recycling facility of Scheepssloperij Nederland at Gravendeel in the Netherlands.

Hugh Shaw, Secretary of States Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention

I am encouraged to see the final cutting phase of this project now underway and before I sign off this project an underwater inspection and sea bed survey will be made before the demobilisation of equipment / project completion begins.

[Oldwood]

Gianluigi Aponte
have a nice day

[Robert J Smith]

Hi

For those who can get UK TV channel Five, there is an hour long documentary called "Ship Rescue: The Devon Disaster" on Tuesday at 8pm.

Regards

Bob