Press Notice No: 093-08
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Posted 12:03 GMT

On Thursday 10 April, the operation will start on the removal of the final stern section of the MSC Napoli.

Contractors will use cutting charges to remove the propeller, rudder and to cut the main drive shaft. The explosives in these cutting charges will be a fraction of what was previously used to separate the stern from the rest of the ship.
Once this preparatory work has been completed, at-sea equipment including accommodation, working and scrap barges, a crane and cutting machine will be mobilized to the site at Branscombe at the end of April.
Contingency plans are in place to minimise any environmental impact that the operation may have. There will be an at-sea exclusion zone of 1,500 metres which will extend as far as the high water mark on shore.
Clean-up contractors will be in place throughout the 5 month removal operation. Once the stern section is removed, full underwater surveys of the site will take place under the direction of the salvors to check that the seabed is clear of any debris.
Hugh Shaw, Secretary of States Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention said:
This is the final phase of the salvage operation of the stern of the MSC Napoli. The owners have contractors in place to deal quickly with any debris that may come ashore.
The contractors are working closely with East Devon District Council to keep beaches and coastal areas open.

Posted By: Fred Caygill

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401