Resolve Marine, a global marine solutions provider, has begun work on the mast removal of the SS Richard Montgomery, a World War II Liberty ship that sank in 1944 while carrying munitions destined for Allied forces in Europe. Situated in the Thames Estuary, approximately 80 kilometers east of London, the vessel still contains approximately 1,400 tons of munition.
The carefully planned engineering operation, that includes the safe removal of the vessel’s three remaining masts, represents a significant milestone in the ongoing management of one of the UK's most closely monitored shipwreck sites. Working under strict safety and engineering protocols, Resolve Marine engineers and divers will carefully cut and lift the vessel's three steel masts. The operation has been developed following extensive technical assessments and independent expert review to ensure the continued stability of the wreck and the safety of personnel, local communities and maritime traffic.
Resolve Marine was selected for its decades of global experience in complex marine salvage, wreck removal and emergency response projects and has assembled a team of engineers, divers and marine specialists to execute the project safely and efficiently.
"The removal of the SS Richard Montgomery's masts is a unique and highly specialized marine engineering project that requires meticulous planning, rigorous risk management and exceptional technical expertise,” said Resolve Marine Director of Projects Sam Adams. “Our team has worked closely with stakeholders and U.K. partners to develop an approach that prioritizes safety and helps safeguard the area for future generations."
"The SS Richard Montgomery is one of the most extraordinary wrecks in the world - a piece of wartime history that has rested in the Thames Estuary for over 80 years," said UK Maritime Minister Keir Mather. "Beginning the careful removal of its masts is a hugely significant moment, and every step of this operation has been shaped by rigorous safety and engineering expertise because protecting the public will always come first. Preserving this remarkable part of Anglo-American history also means future generations can learn about the extraordinary risks faced by the merchant sailors during the Allied war effort.”
The project supports the UK government's long-term strategy for managing the SS Richard Montgomery wreck site and preserves an important chapter of maritime history while maintaining public safety.
