26 October 2013

Costa Hires Lift Ship to Transport Wrecked Concordia:

Costa has hired one of the world's largest lift ships to remove the now-righted wreck of Concordia from the Italian island of Giglio, according to news reports.

Costa Crociere signed a $30 million contract with the Dutch Marine salvage company, Royal Boskalis Westminster, to use Dockwise Vanguard a semi-submersible ship specifically designed to carry other vessels, to transport Concordia, Reuters reported Thursday.

The article reported that Costa has not yet decided where the scrapping will take place, although it said it could happen in “mid-2014.” "Alternatives under review include scrapping the vessel in Italy," Royal Boskalis Westminster said in a statement, according to the story.

According to the story, the Vanguard would start the process by taking on water into its ballast tanks, “allowing it to sink beneath the water line. Then, the Concordia will be maneuvered to float above the lift ship, which will be refloated” with the former cruise ship aboard.

The trial of Concordia's ex-captain, Francesco Schettino, is ongoing.

--By Chris Gray Faust, Destinations Editor

Source: cruise critic. 12 October 2013

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