Tomorrows Refloating of Concordia Weather-Dependent

 
 
The decision is the outcome of the meeting held on Saturday, July 12th at the venue of the Department of Civil Protection from the Commissioner for the emergency, Franco Gabrielli.
The authorization should be formalized today once the latest details are available.
Therefore, if the weather conditions allow, the refloating operation will begin on Monday, July 14.
Details on the operation and confirmation on the beginning of operation will be provided today, at Giglio Island, during a press conference scheduled at 4pm.
“We are pleased that the documentation sent to the authorities has been well received. Everything is in place and ready, the salvage team has successfully completed the technical tests and if weather and sea conditions will remain favourable the refloating operation will commence as planned on Monday morning, said Costa Crociere CEO Michael Thamm.
“It is a complex operation never attempted before, but we know we can count on the best technicians in the world. I wish them all the best for the success of this great challenge.”

The refloating operation is planned to start at 6 am on Monday, July 14th. During the first stage, the Concordia will be refloated about 2 meters up off the platforms and moved 30 meters towards the east with the assistance of tugs.
The ship will then be securely moored and technicians will be able to complete the attachment and tensioning of the last cables and chains, and to lower the starboard sponsons to their final position.
The actual refloating will then begin, raising the ship one deck at a time, from deck 6 to deck 3.
The whole operation is expected to take about 6 or 7 days to complete. The departure of the Concordia from Giglio is currently scheduled for July 21st.
Press Release; July 13th, 2014