The Canadian authorities have taken a step toward the permanent removal of the general cargo vessel Kathryn Spirit from the shores of Beauharnois, Quebec as the first phase of the operation is set to begin in December 2016.

Namely, Groupe St-Pierre will start work to further secure the vessel, which has been moored at the site since 2011, by building a protective embankment around it and isolating the vessel from the marine environment.

This step will also facilitate the future dismantlement and removal of the vessel, while eliminating future damage to the vessel’s structural integrity due to ice flow movement. Plans and funding for the next phases are currently being finalized, with work expected to begin in spring 2017.

The move comes on the back of the Government of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, announced on November 7, 2016, which includes a comprehensive strategy to address abandoned, derelict and wrecked vessels in Canadian waters.

“This comprehensive plan improves marine safety and responsible shipping, protects Canada’s marine environment, and creates stronger partnerships with Indigenous and coastal communities. It also focuses on prevention and removal, including a robust, polluter-pay approach for future vessel clean-up.” Canada’s Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, said.