In 2013, SAL Offshore was contracted to perform dynamic positioning installation work in support of the Costa Concordia wreck removal at Giglio Island, Italy. The main tasks for MV Svenja and MV Lone included the installation of subsea platforms, flotation sponsons and one blister tank. The platforms were installed in up to 45m water depth in order to provide a safe supporting structure for the wreck after being rotated into a vertical position. Platform no. 1, the heaviest of the subsea platforms with a weight of 1,000t and measurements of 40m by 33m by 22m, depicts a record-breaking subsea installation for a heavy lift transportation vessel. The operation was completed within the expected time scope.
Furthermore, a total of 11 portside sponsons were positioned and installed on the wreck. The sponsons were used later to upright the wreck and will, after installation of the 13 starboard sponsons, help to refloat the wreck so it can be moved.
SAL Offshore was also involved in another important step of the parbuckling operation: SAL’s heavy lift vessel lifted the blister tank of 1,500 mtons from a barge and stabilized it before handing it over to the installation crane. The blister tank supported the bow during the rotation of the wreck into a vertical position, the resting of the wreck on the artificial seabed and the refloating.
Photo: MV Svenja installs flotation sponsons in support of the Costa Concordia wreck removal. Image: courtesy of Sal Heavy Lift.