Six Plans Submitted for Removal of Costa Concordia

 

Photo by Susan J. Young

Costa Cruises (www.costacruises.com) said six plans have been submitted by suppliers to remove the hull of Costa Concordia from its rocky perch near Giglio, Italy.

Of the 10 salvage companies asked to bid on the contract, three opted not to bid due to previous commitments. In addition, two have joined forces to present a joint project, Costa said in a statement.

Details about the process were discussed at a meeting in Rome on March 6 attended by Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman and CEO of Costa Crociere S.p.A., and Prefetto Franco Gabrielli, head of the Civil Protection Department and managing commissioner for the Costa Concordia shipwreck.

Costa said the six plans involve different approaches and techniques. It also said in the statement that "they all share a focus on ensuring the least possible environmental impact and protecting tourism and business activities on the Island of Giglio with maximum safety."

Given the complexity and extraordinary nature of the operation, Costa projects the project will take at least 10 to 12 months to complete, although the timing for each project varies in duration.

Technical assessments of the six plans are already under way and a short list will be drawn up by mid-March. Costa said the final decision will be made public in late March or early April.

Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for further updates on this developing story.