The contracting partner for the marine works is a Norwegian company Reach Subsea AS; the surveys will be carried out with the research vessel Viking Reach sailing under the Norwegian flag. Underwater surveys are to be performed with unmanned ROV-s. No divers will be used.
Personnel from the Estonian and Swedish Safety Investigation Authorities will attend on board during the surveys. Also, two representatives of the survivors of the accident will attend the marine surveys – Ants Madar from Estonia and Urban Lambertson from Sweden.
The survey vessel Viking Reach will depart from Karlskrona, Sweden on July 18th and arrive at the wreck site of MV Estonia on July 19th. The marine works together with transfers are expected to last 7-8 days, depending on weather conditions.
The objective of the car deck survey is to receive information about the state of the cargo, including the lashings, and status of different openings such as doors, vents, hatches, etc.
After concluding the onsite activities and lifting the ramp, the survey vessel Viking Reach will transport the bow ramp of MV Estonia to Paldiski South Harbor in Estonia. The ramp will be further examined in Estonia, which is its final destination. The bow ramp was discovered to be detached from the wreck in July 2021 during previous surveys. It is therefore easier to lift it.
