With minimal additional environmental impact., the stranded ferry Marco Polo (15,955 gross tonnes) was successfully refloated. Today, the salvage operation is anticipated to be finished, but the oil cleaning is anticipated to take much longer.
As explained, the refloating was achieved by pressurizing the compartments near the breach in the hull. After about 45 minutes, the report said the vessel was afloat and free of the area.
The Marco Polo was moved to a prearranged location about one nautical mile to the southeast using two tugs. The ferry’s owner, TT-Line, has reported that the ship has dropped anchor at its new site.
The exact amount of oil released has yet to be determined, but it is known that the damaged fuel tanks contained 160 cubic meters of oil prior to the accident. The salvage operation has been closely supervised by the Swedish Coast Guard and the Swedish Transport Agency.
Furthermore, Swedish prosecutors announced fines for the captain and 3rd Officer of a 1599 gross tonnes RO/PAX Ferry Marco Polo, which run aground on 22nd October.
