The Gibraltar Port Authority on Friday reported “steady progress” in the final phase of the operation to remove the wreck of the OS35.
Salvors began work to lift the two sections of the wreck from the seabed earlier this week.
The ship broke in two earlier this year during a storm.
The plan, which has been delayed due to persistent bouts of rough weather in recent weeks and months, is to place the two sections onto a heavy lift vessel to be shipped to a recycling yard.
John Ghio, the Captain of the Port, said “a milestone” was achieved on Thursday, June 15, when the stern section of the vessel was raised further out of the sea.
“Progress continues to be made despite the challenging conditions of the wreck and work will continue to further stabilise the stern section,” No.6 Convent Place said in a statement.
“Lifting of the bow section will follow once the stern section has been stabilised.”
“Works continue to progress at a safe and steady pace.”
Both sections of the OS35 wreck have now been loaded onto the semi-submersible heavylift vessel Fjord, with salvors now cleaning the ship as preparations continue to transport the wreck to a specialist yard for scrapping.
Yesterday, salvors were cleaning both sections of the ship in a bid to ensure it is in good condition to travel safely to Holland, where the wreck will go to a scrapping yard.
Booms currently surround the vessel as a precaution to contain any spillages as the two sections of the ship are secured for transportation.
A spokesperson for the Gibraltar Port Authority confirmed that as of now, there have been no spillages during this final stage of the operation, with the preventative booms to be removed within the coming days.
Once the ship is clean, with spillage possibilities on the journey eliminated, the journey to Holland will commence.
The spokesperson also confirmed that refuge ports are included in contingency plans for the journey, in case of unexpected circumstances such as bad weather in certain parts of the trip.
It is estimated that “weather permitting”, it will take around two weeks for the semi-submersible ship to reach its final destination, with a chance of a quicker journey if weather conditions permit.
