The wreck of the containership TS Taipei, which grounded in March when it lost propulsion, was removed from the reef off Shimen, Taiwan, according to data released by Taiwanese Maritime and Port Bureau.
After being stuck on the reef for some five months, the grounded vessel was removed from the site in two sections as it sustained a major rupture in its hull and split in two .
The rear section of the containership was removed earlier, and transported to Keelung Port at the end of July. The authorities planned to remove the front section or the vessel in mid-August, however, due to favorable weather conditions, the removal operations were conducted ahead of schedule, and the front part of the ship is on its way to the port.
Relevant authorities will now collect remaining debris in the area and conduct water quality tests.
The 2006-built TS Taipei ran into trouble on March 10 when it grounded on a rocky shallow while it was on its way from Taiwan’s Keelung to Taichung.
The vessel later split in two due to inclement weather conditions.
Managed by TS Lines, the 20,615 dwt ship initially suffered breaches in the aft part while one of its fuel tanks was damaged, causing an oil spill in the area.
World Maritime News Staff