Work to remove the masts from the SS Richard Montgomery will begin in early September, the government has confirmed, marking a major stage in the management of the historic wreck off Sheerness.
The operation will involve building an underwater platform so specialist maritime engineers can cut the three masts over several weeks. The wreck contains around 1,400 tonnes of wartime explosives, and ministers say the work has been developed under strict safety and engineering standards.
The American Liberty ship ran aground in the Thames Estuary in 1944 while carrying munitions for the Allied war effort. It lies about 1.5 miles off Sheerness and is surrounded by an exclusion zone. The site has been continuously monitored and assessed since the ship sank.
The project is backed by £9.5 million in government funding. On-site preparations are due to begin later this month before the main engineering work starts in September. Independent expert advice has confirmed, according to the government, that the planned operation can be carried out safely without increasing the risk from explosives remaining on board.
After removal, the masts will be taken to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, which has specialist restoration facilities. They are then expected to be displayed locally in Kent, with the government saying this will preserve part of Anglo-American maritime history and support regional tourism.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather visited Sheerness and Chatham yesterday to discuss the removal, restoration and local display plans. The operation will be delivered by specialist marine contractors Resolve under continuous oversight and strict safety procedures.