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.

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07 may 2025   |   18:36   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Canadian Coast Guard

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.

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