MSC Baltic III grounding: ongoing salvage efforts and environmental risks
The MSC Baltic III, a Liberia-flagged container ship operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), has remained grounded near Lark Harbour, Newfoundland, since February 15, 2025. The vessel lost power during severe weather conditions and subsequently ran aground in shallow waters.
In brief
The Liberian-flagged container ship MSC Baltic III has been stranded since 15 February 2025 off the coast of Newfoundland near Lark Harbour after a failure of its power systems in stormy weather. The Canadian Coast Guard evacuated 20 crew members by helicopter, and inspections showed that 75% of the ship's length rests on the seabed, with serious hull damage amidships. In March, pumping out of about 1,903 tons of fuel began, and tar balls were found on beaches near Lark Harbour. The Avalon Sea, built at the Remontowa Shipbuilding yard in Gdańsk, is taking part in the operation.
Emergency evacuation and first response
On the day of the incident, the Canadian Coast Guard successfully airlifted all 20 crew members from the ship in a challenging rescue operation during a snowstorm. Since then, coordinated salvage and environmental protection efforts have been underway.
Structural damage and technical status
Inspections revealed significant hull damage, particularly amidships. Approximately 75% of the ship's length rests on the seabed, complicating refloating operations. Water has entered several cargo holds, raising further stability concerns.
Fuel removal operation in progress
In March, authorities launched a critical fuel removal operation. Around 1,903 tonnes of oil—including heavy fuel oil (HFO) and marine diesel—are being pumped out to prevent environmental contamination. This operation is ongoing but hampered by unstable weather and the ship’s precarious condition.
Environmental risk indicators
In early April, several tar balls, each about the size of a tennis ball, were discovered on nearby shorelines. Samples have been collected for laboratory analysis to determine if they originate from the MSC Baltic III. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the potential for a large-scale marine pollution event.
Polish-built salvage asset on site
Assisting in the salvage operation is the Avalon Sea, a modern offshore support vessel built at Remontowa Shipbuilding in Gdańsk, Poland. Designed for towing, emergency response, and spill containment, the Avalon Sea plays a key role in the ongoing containment and stabilization mission.
MSC Baltic III specifications
- Type: container ship
- Length: 207 meters
- Beam: 29 meters
- Capacity: 2,478 TEU
- Year built: 2003
- Flag: Liberia
- IMO number: 9241475
Outlook for the salvage operation
Efforts to refloat or dismantle the vessel are expected to take several more weeks or even months. The outcome will depend on weather conditions, structural assessments, and the success of ongoing fuel extraction. Whether the vessel can be salvaged intact remains uncertain.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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