Miko Marine AS was awarded a contract to present an alternative concept for the removal of 70 Tons of Mercury trapped in the sunken submarine U-864 outside Fedje Norway. The submarine now at 150 m water depth and unsheltered waters, – was sunk in 1944. The condition of the wreck and canisters containing the Mercury is uncertain.

The concept included protection of the seabed by arranging protective carpets on the seabed in order to prevent disturbance of already spilt Mercury and removing the canisters containing the Mercury without bringing the wreck-parts to surface. This is achieved by gaining access to the keel section where the canisters are stored and remove them with the surgery precision.

The concept is judged interesting as it offers advantages compared to those two other main concepts; – coverage of wreck parts by sand-dumping and lift of wreck parts to the surface.

Miko presented an alternative concept to the Coastal Administration, Det Norske Veritas and the four pre-qualified salvor’s for their further evaluation and final decision for selection of method.