[MAIN-A-DIEU, NS] — Nova Scotia will allow a New York-based salvage company to continue its removal of the stranded MV Miner.
On Monday evening, the province’s Department of Labour lifted a stop-work order that was imposed on Bennington Group on Oct. 11, due to safety concerns.
Under the order, Bennington Group was required to hire an independent engineer to assess the structural integrity of the ship’s hull and the procedures to ensure the work is done safely.
The MV Miner became grounded on Scatarie Island on Sept. 20, 2011, after it broke free while being while being towed to a scrapyard in Turkey.
Bennington Group threatened to abandon the dismantling job last week if a delay on the project continued.
Over the weekend, the province received an engineer’s assessment from the company, including additional information identifying ways to get injured workers from Scatarie Island, if necessary.
After a close review of plans, the province determined work could resume.
Bennington is currently in phase one of the removal of the stranded bulk carrier. Additional engineering plans will be required if phase two can begin.
The Cape Breton Post was unable to reach Bennington chief operating officer Abe Shah on Monday evening.
