MSC Baltic III will be dismantled in sections and pulled ashore for recycling as the wreck removal phase starts in Newfoundland, Canada.
The containership has been lodged in Cedar Cove since losing power on 15 February 2025. Earlier work focused on reducing pollution risks by removing fuel and cargo from the vessel.
The Canadian Coast Guard reviewed the removal plan on 4 May 2026. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and its insurers selected Resolve Marine for the next phase after T&T Salvage handled fuel and cargo removal. The contract was awarded on 7 April, and Resolve Marine began caretaking and monitoring duties on 1 May.
Initial work will focus on the 63 containers still on board. Most are damaged and waterlogged inside the cargo holds and will be removed for remediation.
Resolve Marine will place a 450 t crane barge and workboats near the wreck while also using shore access. The bow will be separated near the damaged section of the hull, then pulled toward land using welded connectors and chain pullers. It will be cut into 10 t pieces, loaded onto trucks and moved for recycling.
Once the bow is ashore, specialist teams will open the fuel tanks for further remediation. The stern will be removed later after the accommodation block is taken off. The final method will depend on rock pillars that have broken into the hull.
The Canadian Coast Guard said about 1,700 tonnes of bulk fuel were removed before winter storms reached the area. A total of 409 of the 472 containers were also taken off in 2025. Some containers held dangerous goods, while many were empty.
Canada is applying a polluter-pays approach, with the Coast Guard monitoring the operation. Resolve Marine will use the Port of Stephenville as its staging and support base to reduce pressure on the main port at Corner Brook. The project is expected to involve 40 to 50 people and two local contractors.
Access to Cedar Cove will be improved and extended to the beach. Resolve Marine said the site will be restored after the salvage work is completed.
