COSTA Cruises has established a technical committee to draw up a plan to remove the
ill-fated Costa Concordia from where she lies
partially submerged on the rocks of Gabbianara
Point off the Italian island, Isola del Giglio.
Comprised of representatives from Costa
Cruises, Carnival Corporation, Fincantieri
shipyard, The Royal Institution of Naval
Architects and sector experts, including
academics, the committee will “work for the
best possible drawing up of the plan, on a
joint basis with the competent authorities”.
To that end, the cruise line has called for tenders from ten salvage companies to present a
working plan to completely remove the hull of Concordia in the shortest time possible, whilst
still ensuring maximum safety and the least possible environmental impact.
Costa has specified that the plans be presented by the beginning of March this year, for joint
assessment by the committee and the Civil Protection Scientific Committee.
Costa has said that it aims to select the best plan by the end of March 2012.
“The vessel is expected to be out of service for the remainder of our current fiscal year, if not
longer,” the cruise line said.
MEANWHILE Costa has also issued a statement slamming rumours circulating in the media
that it used underage workers onboard Concordia.
“The accusations raised against the company that it exploits unregistered or underage
labour are vile and baseless,” the cruise line said.
“Costa is SA8000 certified and was the first shipping company in the world to submit
voluntarily to social responsibility certification.
“Costa Cruises has maintained this certification since 2004, ensuring the maximum possible
protection with regard to: child labour, not only for the Company, but also its suppliers, who
have to certify they do not use child labour; gender parity; religious parity; ethnic parity; and
pay parity according to the type of work performed,” the cruise line added.
