The remaining stern section of the grounded 203,000-dwt bulker Wakashio (built 2007) is slated to be removed from the coastline of Mauritius by the end of January.
Sudhir Maudhoo, the country's economy, fisheries and marine minister, said the stern section is scheduled to be towed away by barge for dismantling at the island’s Salmo Steel Group by the end of the month.
The wreck-removal job was awarded to China’s Lianyungang Dali Underwater Engineering late last year after a tender process run by the ship’s protection and indemnity insurer, the Japan P&I Club.
Wreck-removal equipment was sent to the site in December and a target completion date was set for the spring.
There were concerns that difficult weather and sea conditions at this time of year could delay the salvage operation. But, judging by the rate of progress, that does not seem to be the case.
The Wakashio, owned by Japan’s Nagashiki Shipping and chartered by Mitsui OSK Lines, grounded at Pointe d’Esny in July 2020. The ship broke its back and the forward section floated free in August. That part of the vessel was then scuttled at sea later that month.
The vessel spilled 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil into the sea, polluting around 32km (19.8 miles) of coastline. Although most of the oil pollution has now been cleared, it is estimated it will take years for the island's mangroves and coral reef to recover.
Preliminary investigations into the accident by the vessel’s charterer suggest it was caused by the crew’s decision to divert the ship in search of a mobile phone connection.
