Canadian container ship salvage enters new phase

Salvage operations on grounded container ship, MSC Baltic III, in Newfoundland, eastern Canada, has entered a new phase after its cargo was removed.

Salvors have shifted their focus onto removing ship infrastructure during Q3 2026, in project that is expected to extend into 2027 when the main focus will be on coastal restoration.

MSC Baltic III ran aground in Cedar Cove on the west coast of Newfoundland in February 2025 after suffering a power loss during adverse winter weather.

All crew members were safely rescued, but salvors were unable to refloat the 207-m ship, and the resulting operation has become one of Canada’s most complex container ship salvage projects.

According to the Canadian Coast Guard, 471 of the 472 cargo containers on board have been removed from the ship, as of mid July.

“One damaged container will remain on the wreck until it can be brought on shore,” said the coastguard in a social media update.

Salvage teams from Resolve Marine have started removing the ship’s accommodation block using a crane barge supported by an oceangoing tug, with sections being lifted onto another barge to be transported ashore for recycling.

Next, salvors will prepare to separate the vessel into two sections, with the bow expected to be pulled ashore later in July or early August.

“As work on the site increases, we strongly urge the public to stay away from the MSC Baltic III work site,” said the Canadian Coast Guard.

Resolve Marine is working to complete as much of the salvage work as possible before winter weather and sea conditions return in Q4 2026. Final remediation activities are expected to continue into 2027.