Storms in late May have moved the two halves of the wrecked containership Kea Trader further apart in the South Pacific.
Owner Lomar Shipping told TradeWinds that the forward section of the 2,194-teu vessel (built 2017) was shifted on the rock-hard Durand Reef off New Caledonia, leaving it listing by 18 degrees.
"Therefore safe access for workers to both sections is only possible during particularly favorable weather conditions," it said.
Shanghai Salvage Company (SSC) has made a comprehensive assessment of the condition of the structure.
It is now in the process of adapting its methodology for removing the two sections and other pieces of the superstructure that have been detached during the storms.
"This will involve the mobilisation of new heavy lift resources, the design of which is currently subject to complex engineering studies, with safeguards to the local environment continuing to be a priority," Lomar added.
The vessel grounded last July.
SSC marshals resources
Personnel and sea-going resources belonging to SSC are continuing to assemble in New Caledonia.
The latest arrival is the 19,000-gt Ju Li (built 2012), a logistics support and command vessel for the current preparatory operations.
When possible, workers have continued to remove any remaining materials from the cargo holds and flotsam from the accommodation block.
This has included the removal of 12 tons of debris from hold 1; 2.9 cbm of polluted water extracted from pipes, reservoirs and hydraulic circuits; and materials from lower levels of the accommodation block including furniture, partitions and false ceilings.
"However, work on site has continued to be hampered by adverse weather conditions, damage to the vessel caused by two cyclones and near-consistent storm-force conditions since the turn of the year," Lomar said.
