The Secretary of State's Representative, Robin Middleton, today set out the process to remove the remaining stern of the Napoli from Lyme Bay.

The project, to be undertaken in two phases, is expected to be completed in Spring 2008.

Preparatory work to source equipment for the job is already under way.

Phase one is due to start early November.  This will include dismantling and removal of the accommodation block; preparing the main engines for removal; and preparations to facilitate lifting in the second phase.

Special hydraulic cutting equipment will be used to cut away the accommodation block.  Because it is a hydraulic system, the cutting operation will be silent.  Cutting will continue 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The first phase is expected to be completed by the beginning of January.

The second phase, which relies upon optimum weather conditions as well as having the world’s only piece of lifting equipment big enough for the job, is due to begin at the end of March 2008.

With two barges positioned either side of the stern, a third barge will lift it into a submerged vessel to be re-floated and towed away.

This is expected to take a week to two weeks weather permitting.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has said that the threat of oil pollution during the procedure is minimal, and with counter pollution experts constantly onsite, any leakage of residual oil will be contained.

It is anticipated that the Contractors currently maintaining the beaches, the divers who are surveying the seabed for submerged materials, and the recovery vessel the Terramare, will continue their appointments until the stern has been removed.