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=2009Press 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