Canadian Coast Guard working to remove MV Spudnik from Fraser River

From: Canadian Coast Guard

News release

January 6, 2020                         

Vancouver, British Columbia - The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canada’s environment and waterways. We know that abandoned vessels are not only an eye-sore for many coastal communities across the country, but can also pose a threat of pollution and safety concerns the surrounding area.

Today, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that the Coast Guard is taking action to remove the MV Spudnik from the Fraser River near Surrey, BC Work is now underway to permanently resolve the threat posed by the vessel to prevent any long-term impacts.

A recent assessment of the vessel determined that there are imminent risks of pollution threat, hull corrosion, possible sinking and fire. In order to prevent future costs to the environment, the Fraser River and surrounding communities, we are acting now to permanently remove this threat of pollution, and safety risk.

The Canadian Coast Guard has begun work with the contractor Marine Recycling Corporation to assess various options to safely dismantle and remove the vessel from the marine environment. Removal of the vessel is expected to be complete in the spring. The Coast Guard will monitor the vessel throughout the process, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Additional multimedia

The Coast Guard is taking action to remove the MV Spudnik from the Fraser River near Surrey, BC.

Quotes

“Abandoned and vessels can pose a serious problem for our coastal communities, and the MV Spudnik is no exception. I have been a strong advocate for a real solution to this problem that is present right across the country, and I am confident in the Canadian Coast Guard’s swift action to remove this vessel from the Fraser River while proactively addressing the threat of pollution.”

The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Quick facts

  • The MV Spudnik has been moored in its current location in the Fraser River since 2014.

  • Bulk pollutants were originally removed from the vessel in 2014; however, the 2019 assessment of the vessel has determined there is an immediate risk of hull corrosion, sinking, fire and further pollution.

  • Naval architects, salvage leads and safety specialists are conducting detailed inspections of the vessel to determine various options for the safe removal of the vessel.

  • Coast Guard will work with the contractor to determine the best option and next steps for the removal of the vessel from the Fraser River.

  • Coast Guard is engaging and providing regular updates to First Nations communities in the area.

Contacts

Cecely Roy   
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard 613-992-3474 
Cecely.Roy@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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