# MSC Baltic III wreck removal advances as pollution risk declines

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/msc-baltic-iii-wreck-removal-canada/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Jason Nicholson
- **Published:** 2026-11-09T18:30:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-11-09T09:45:59+00:00
- **Section:** Shipping / Container
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Canadian Coast Guard, Marine Pollution, MSC, MSC Baltic III, Resolve Marine, Ship Salvage

The removal of the grounded containership MSC Baltic III in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, has reached an advanced stage, with approximately 84% of the vessel’s total tonnage removed and a significant reduction in visible oil sheening following the recovery of its bow section.

According to the Canadian Coast Guard’s latest operational update, issued on November 6, salvage contractor Resolve Marine has removed 9,282 tonnes of material from the wreck at Cedar Cove. The operation represents further progress in the dismantling and recovery of the vessel, which grounded off the Canadian coast in February 2025.

The bow section has been brought fully ashore and removed from the beach, including six priority heavy fuel oil tanks. The Canadian Coast Guard reported that intermittent oil sheening continues to be observed in Cedar Cove, although its occurrence has decreased significantly since the bow was removed from the water.

## Salvage operations focus on remaining stern sections

Recovery operations are now concentrating on the remaining sections of the vessel’s stern. One stern section has already been pulled ashore, dismantled and removed from the shoreline, while preparations are underway to recover the two sections that remain in the water.

The latest figures mark an increase from October 29, when the Canadian Coast Guard reported that 8,410 tonnes, equivalent to approximately 76% of the wreck’s total tonnage, had been removed. This represents an additional 872 tonnes recovered between the two operational updates.

The dismantling process has involved moving sections of the damaged vessel towards the shoreline, where they can be cut into smaller pieces and removed. Earlier stages included the removal of the vessel’s superstructure and cargo, followed by the gradual recovery of its hull sections.

The remaining stern recovery work represents one of the principal outstanding stages of the operation. However, the Canadian Coast Guard has not announced a completion date for the removal of the wreck.

## Environmental monitoring continues

The removal of the bow section and its associated fuel tanks has reduced an important source of potential marine pollution. Nevertheless, the continued observation of oil sheening indicates that environmental monitoring remains necessary while the remaining wreckage is recovered.

The Canadian Coast Guard and Environment and Climate Change Canada continue to conduct shoreline inspections, on-water surveillance and aerial monitoring, subject to weather conditions. Pollution containment and recovery activities have also formed part of the wider response to the grounding.

Previous operational updates documented oil residues and tar balls along sections of the Cedar Cove shoreline, particularly following periods of rough weather. Response teams have been removing contaminated material as it is identified, while monitoring the remaining pollution risks associated with the wreck.

The MSC Baltic III salvage operation has progressed substantially since the beginning of large-scale dismantling activities in 2026. With most of the wreck now removed, attention is shifting towards the final stern sections and continued protection of the surrounding marine environment.

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Cite as: "MSC Baltic III wreck removal advances as pollution risk declines", pelavox., 9 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/msc-baltic-iii-wreck-removal-canada/