Work to remove the remaining section of MSC Napoli from Lyme Bay will begin in early May 2008, the MCA has announced. The remaining part of the stern section of the wreck remains aground in Lyme Bay with a list of 40° to starboard.
Shaped explosives will be used to remove the propeller, the rudder, and to cut the propeller shaft. They will also be used to weaken the structure of the main engine to assist its removal. The aft section will then be systematically removed. The whole operation is expected to take roughly five months.
The decision has been to cut up the remaining section and take it away in small pieces, rather than removing it in larger pieces, because it was felt there could be issues with anchoring and cutting through the main engine and propeller shafting if the stern were cut up into larger pieces.
A pollution control plan will be in place throughout the entire operation. Following removal from the site, material will be taken to Holland for recycling. On completion a full underwater survey will be carried out to ensure that the seabed has been cleared of all recoverable debris.
Throughout the winter, weather permitting, contractors have been conducting a fortnightly inspection of the wreck, in daylight, checking for any change in status of the wreck and any evidence of pollution, and using photographs to record the status of the wreck. Periodical aerial inspections which have also been carried out by MCA surveillance aircraft.
A team based in Branscombe has been monitoring the wreck and the area daily on behalf of the ship's owners. They have been patrolling and clearing any material which may have originated from the wreck from all beaches in the area.
Despite periods of severe weather over the last few weeks there has been no change in the status of the wreck, said the MCA statement.
