Canadian Coast Guard Seeks Proposals for Bulk Oil Removal from Wrecked Freighter
Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays – Central – Notre Dame, announced Wednesday that in the coming months the Canadian Coast Guard will be seeking proposals from qualified marine salvage companies for bulk oil removal from the wreck of the Manolis L.
Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays – Central – Notre Dame, announced Wednesday that in the coming months the Canadian Coast Guard will be seeking proposals from qualified marine salvage companies for bulk oil removal from the wreck of the Manolis L. The announcement is part of the Government of Canada’s efforts to protect the marine environment through the Oceans Protection Plan and the recently proposed Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act.
The Manolis L freighter sank in January 1985 near Change Islands in Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. Some oil was observed at the time of the sinking, but it could not be recovered because of winter sea ice.
The Canadian Coast Guard has been on scene routinely since 2013 to conduct regular monitoring, underwater hull surveys, and annual maintenance to contain leaks from the damaged hull of the ship. In September 2016, a technical assessment found that 115-150 cubic meters of oil remained trapped in the wreck and recommended bulk oil removal from the wrecked freighter to reduce the potential risk of pollution.
“It is vital that we preserve and protect our marine environment and coastlines,” said Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. “The Manolis L wreck poses a pollution risk to an environmentally sensitive area and the local economy that relies heavily on fishing and tourism. Today marks another positive step towards our government’s commitment to addressing the many problem vessels found throughout our waterways and oceans.”
The Request for Proposals anticipates that a contract would be awarded by spring, with oil removal operations to take place in summer 2018.