Lomar Shipping is promising an "innovative solution" for removing both parts of its grounded boxship Kea Trader from a South Pacific reef.
A comprehensive tender process lasting almost three months is nearing completion, with a salvor expected to be appointed in the next few weeks.
TradeWinds cited sources earlier this month as saying Shanghai Salvage was edging closer to winning the contract.
The job will be the biggest wreck removal of the year.
A detailed methodology has been approved by New Caledonian authorities, Lomar said.
The plan involves the safe lifting and removal of the ship intact from the reef. But exact details will be released later on.
Ardent has led recovery work on Kea Trader since its grounded last July. Heavy fuel has been removed and all but 96 of its 756 containers have also been taken off the vessel.
The company will continue working in a caretaker capacity until the ultimately successful contractor is awarded the contract for the full removal of the wreck, Lomar said.
"Best and quickest method"
A Lomar spokesman added: “Since the original grounding, the authorities and owners have placed paramount importance on the safe removal of the Kea Trader in a way that mitigates any damage and protects the marine environment.
"The chosen methodology has faced very close scrutiny and rigorous evaluation, and we are all equally convinced, subject to contractual agreement, that it is the best and quickest option for us moving forward.”
Adverse weather has prevented workers from boarding the vessel for much of the past month, with cyclones and heavy storms generating up to seven-metre waves.
These have twice moved the forward section.
A change in direction of heavy seas initially rotated the bow into almost perfect realignment with the stern section in the middle of January, Lomar said.
Further storms forced a significant lateral shift of the forward section this week, leaving both sections listing slightly.
"Despite these movements, there have been no signs of pollution. Two containers have been removed by helicopter, in cut-up sections, during a rare positive weather window," the shipowner said.
