From the time defueling began until 7 a.m. Feb. 17, a total of 952 cubic meters (251,492 gallons) of fuel have been pumped out of four tanks located in the forward part of the ship.
A total of 1,428 cubic meters (377,237 gallons) of fuel is still to be removed from 13 tanks, of which 576 cubic meters (152,163 gallons) is located in the forward part of the ship. According to the schedule drawn up by the Neri/Smit Salvage experts, if sea and weather conditions remain favorable, all of the fuel still on board the ship should be extracted within three weeks if operations can continue 24 hours per day.
Since the outset Costa Crociere’s priorities have been to guarantee maximum safety, the least possible environmental impact and protection of the environment of Giglio and the island’s tourism industry, while carrying out defueling within a reasonable time frame.
Both the defueling procedure and the other operations scheduled on Costa Concordia are being conducted jointly with full cooperation between Costa Crociere and the Concordia Emergency Commissioner’s Office.
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