In March 2018, Shanghai Salvage Company (as known as COES), won the Kea Trader wreck removal project, in an international bid amongst almost all of the global, well-known salvors. To date, it is the largest wreck removal project this year.

On July 12th 2017, the 2194Teu capacity container ship, Kea Trader grounded on Durand Reef in the South Pacific. The exposed location and impact of two heavy cyclones within a month resulted in extensive damage, including the vessel breaking in to two and being declared a total loss.

After winning the contract, COES assembled seagoing resources and personnel in New Caledonia. The company then began comprehensive efforts to accurately assess the wreck’s status and map the reef to ensure that environmental safeguards were maintained as work commenced.

COES has since recovered most of the lost containers and floating debris, despite the frequently bad weather and tough sea conditions. As the wreck’s status has significantly altered, after suffering several strong cyclones since winning the bid and there is currently no existing lifting equipment in the world, that could remove the wreck safely without damaging the surrounding environment, COES as a responsible salvor, with a strong commitment to complete its work, has taken the decision to invest heavily in building a new gravity barge with a crane specifically engineered for the safe removal of the wreck. The gravity barge is scheduled to be available on site in April 2019.