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Wreck removal taking longer than planned in Gibraltar 

The tricky removal of the wrecked bulk carrier OS 35 from waters off Gibraltar will take longer than forecast. 

Salvors had been given a deadline of the end of this month to complete the wreck removal, something that has now been pushed back to mid-June. 

Ensuring both the forward and aft sections are airtight has taken longer than anticipated. 

Lifting points have already been fitted to the hull of the forward section, and the lifting tools onboard the barges are ready for use.

Each section will be brought alongside a semi-submersible barge before being lifted out of the water.

The captain of the port, John Ghio, said: “The works to remove the OS 35 are progressing well, but the reality of the state of the wreck is dictating the pace of operations. It is vital that every stage is completed in a way that is careful, deliberate and safe. Whilst the short delay for its final removal is unfortunate, this is the only safe way to do so that mitigates the potential future source of pollution and minimises the impact on the environment and Gibraltar’s coastline.”

The ship came into contact with LNG carrier Adam LNG while manoeuvring to exit the port of Gibraltar on August 29 last year. The aft of the ship grounded, and a gash opened up on the starboard of the hull and in the following weeks the ship lost its structural integrity.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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