Vancouver Pile Driving Ltd (VanPile) has begun the process of removing the massive 5,000 tonne barge, that became stranded at Sunset Beach in Vancouver during a windstorm last year.

After initial efforts to remove it were unsuccessful, the barge became a popular attraction at the site. Engineers have determined that refloating the barge is not possible after a detailed structural assessment of the vessel.

VanPile has started installing safety barriers and fences. The next stage of work will include additional site preparation and the installation of temporary piles to secure the barge. Once completed, deconstruction of the barge will begin, which includes the removal of the barge walls and hulls in sections. All material will be loaded onto support barges and hauled away by sea to a staging area to be processed and recycled.

The work will have minimal impact to park activities and is expected to take approximately 12 to 15 weeks to complete once deconstruction has begun. The seawall will remain open during this time, and there will be no impact to traffic or parking in the area.

The barge removal has been carefully planned in consultation with industry experts, partners and First Nation groups. Hazardous material, archeological and structural assessments have been completed to ensure the sensitive marine environment is protected.