Work to remove the bunkers from the wreck of the Costa Concordia has finally begun, after weeks of delay caused by bad weather.
The emptying of 15 of the fuel tanks – where 84% of the roughly 2400 tonnes of fuel are stored – would require 28 days, weather permitting, officials say.
Last month Smit, which is charged with removing the fuel, said the six forward tanks are estimated to hold about two thirds of the intermediate fuel oil.
The Concordia ran aground near Giglio, a small island off Italy’s western coast, on 13 January, after veering off its official course.
To date, some seventeen people have been certified dead from the disaster, while a further fifteen remain unaccounted for.
The search for survivors was called off on 31 January due to safety concerns as rough water had caused the Concordia to shift its position.
The process of emptying the ship’s tanks was originally scheduled to start soon after the end of the search for the missing people.
Since the ship sank there have been fears of fuel leaks and resulting contamination of the pristine waters off the Tuscan island.
