HomeOur ExpertiseSubsea EngineeringMarine Salvage & RecoveryWreck Removal & Seabed Clearance
Subsea EngineeringMarine Salvage & Recovery

Removal of Sunken Vessels and Marine Debris from HK Waters

What is Wreck Removal & Seabed Clearance?

KCC provides wreck removal and seabed clearance services for sunken vessels, barges, pontoons, and marine structures in Hong Kong waters. Our commercial divers conduct a full underwater survey of the wreck to assess structural condition, identify hazardous materials (fuel, cargo, asbestos), and determine the safest and most practical removal method.

Where the wreck can be refloated intact, KCC uses compressed air and lifting bags to bring it to the surface for towing. Where the structure is too deteriorated or too large for intact removal, KCC's divers use oxy-arc cutting, hydraulic shears, and diamond wire saws to section the wreck for piece-by-piece removal by crane barge. All hazardous materials are identified and managed in accordance with EPD requirements before cutting commences.

Post-removal, KCC conducts a diver inspection of the cleared seabed to confirm that no residual debris remains, and provides a clearance certificate for submission to the Hong Kong Marine Department.

Compliance: All operations comply with IMCA D 045, HSE Diving at Work Regulations 1997, and Hong Kong Marine Department wreck removal requirements. Hazardous material management follows EPD guidelines.

What's Included

  • Full diver survey of wreck — structural condition, hazardous materials, and removal options
  • Wreck removal plan and risk assessment preparation
  • Hazardous material identification and management (fuel, cargo, asbestos)
  • Intact refloating using compressed air and lifting bags where feasible
  • Oxy-arc cutting and hydraulic shear sectioning for deteriorated wrecks
  • Diamond wire saw cutting for reinforced concrete and heavy steel structures
  • Crane barge coordination for piece-by-piece wreck removal
  • Seabed clearance and debris removal following main wreck lift
  • Post-removal diver inspection to confirm seabed clearance
  • Clearance certificate and Marine Department notification

Why This Matters

Wrecks in navigational channels, port approaches, and sensitive marine areas create ongoing safety hazards, environmental risks, and legal liabilities for owners and operators. KCC's wreck removal capability — from initial survey through to clearance certificate — provides a complete, compliant solution that removes the hazard and closes the liability.

Related Services in Marine Salvage & Recovery

Part of

Subsea Engineering

Specialist subsea engineering solutions for complex marine construction, structural rehabilitation,

View all Subsea Engineering services
IMCA ADCI HSE HKCP

IMCA · ADCI · HSE · HKCP Compliant

All diving operations conducted to IMCA, ADCI, HSE & HKCP standards

Need Wreck Removal & Seabed Clearance?

Get a fast response from our team in Hong Kong.

Ready to Get Started?

Our team is ready to discuss your project requirements and provide a detailed proposal.