Fuel Pumped from Concordia

After nearly two weeks of delays, pumping operations began Sunday to remove some of the 500,000 gallons of fuel aboard the Costa Concordia. Dutch shipwreck salvage firm Smit is overseeing the operation.

Fuel removal under way on Italy cruise ship

ROME (AP) – Underwater pumping operations began Sunday to remove some of the 500,000 gallons of fuel aboard the Costa Concordia, officials said, nearly a month after the cruise ship ran aground off Tuscany.

After nearly two weeks of delays because of rough seas and bad weather, the pumping got under way on the first of 15 tanks that are believed to hold around 84 percent of the fuel on board, Italy’s civil protection department said.

Officials say it will take 28 consecutive days of pumping to empty the tanks.

Dutch shipwreck salvage firm Smit is overseeing the operation, along with an Italian partner.

The fuel extraction process involves fixing valves on the underwater fuel tanks, one on top, one on bottom. Hoses are attached to the valves and as the oil – which must be warmed to…….[access the full article]