MSC Baltic III wreck removal in Newfoundland passes two-thirds as oil sheen returns
Resolve Marine has recovered 7,445 tonnes of the 207-metre containership and moved the stern 78 metres towards shore
Salvors have removed about 68% of the tonnage of the containership MSC Baltic III, which has been aground on the coast of Newfoundland since February 2025, the Canadian Coast Guard said in its latest update. The recovered steel now amounts to 7,445 tonnes, up from just over 6,000 tonnes, about 55% of the ship, at the start of October.
The 207-metre ship lost power, drifted and went aground in February 2025. The first phase of the response removed fuel, other potential pollutants and cargo. The second, the dismantling and recycling of the ship, began in May 2026 under a contract awarded to Resolve Marine. Under Canadian law, MSC is paying for the removal and recovery work.
How is the hull being taken apart?
Over the summer crews removed the accommodation block, most of the deck gear and the cargo hatches, and began cutting the upper hull, which had been cut away by the end of July. The remaining hull is being pulled towards the shoreline with large chain pulls so that it can be cut and lifted there. A large part of the bow was removed on 9 September.
The forward and midship sections have now been moved a total of 170 metres towards shore. Resolve Marine has also started pulling the stern section forward and has moved it 78 metres. Work will continue until winter conditions set in. The Coast Guard has not said whether the hull will be fully recovered this year and has said previously that some operations could run into 2027. Once the wreck is cleared, the site where the ship grounded is to be restored.
Is there still oil in the wreck?
The tanks were emptied in the first phase, but the Coast Guard said residual oil in the ship's systems was expected to escape as the hull is cut apart, and that this phase has brought a heavier release. Sheening has been observed in Cedar Cove, with shoreline impacts including oiled vegetation and debris and fresh tar stains, balls and smears. Three dead birds have been recovered in the area, though the cause of death has not been confirmed.
The Coast Guard said sheening typically follows rough seas and is to be expected given the residual fuel on board. Tank cleaning continues to remove fuel from areas that can be reached safely, and the shoreline is monitored daily when conditions allow.
This story is part of the Maritime Briefing of 18 October 2026.
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