UK Begins Safe Removal of SS Richard Montgomery Masts in Major Maritime Heritage and Shipwreck Safety Project
The UK government has announced that a major maritime engineering operation to remove the three remaining masts of the historic SS Richard Montgomery will begin in early September, marking a significant step in the long-term management of one of the world’s most closely monitored WWII shipwrecks.
The carefully planned operation will see specialist marine engineers construct an underwater working platform before cutting and removing the ship’s three masts over several weeks. The project is being carried out under strict engineering and maritime safety standards due to the presence of approximately 1,400 tonnes of wartime explosives that remain onboard the wreck.
Located around 1.5 miles off Sheerness in the Thames Estuary, the American Liberty ship ran aground in 1944 while transporting munitions in support of the Allied war effort during World War II. Since then, the site has remained under continuous monitoring and is protected by an exclusion zone to safeguard shipping, nearby communities, and the surrounding marine environment.
Backed by £9.5 million in government funding, the project will begin with site preparations later this month before the main engineering work starts in September. Independent technical experts have confirmed that the mast removal can be carried out safely without increasing the risks associated with the explosives still contained within the wreck.
Once removed, the historic steel masts will be transported to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, where maritime conservation specialists will restore and preserve them before they are placed on public display in Kent. Officials believe the preserved structures will become an important attraction, strengthening regional tourism while protecting a unique piece of Anglo-American maritime history for future generations.
The operation will be carried out by specialist marine contractor Resolve Marine, working under continuous government oversight and in coordination with harbour authorities, emergency services, and other relevant agencies. Authorities have confirmed that the existing exclusion zone surrounding the wreck will remain in place after the mast removal, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of September, subject to weather conditions.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said:
“Safety and preservation of the masts are our absolute priorities. This carefully planned work has been informed by years of expert analysis and monitoring, which will ensure the wreck continues to be managed safely, protecting local communities, maritime traffic and the wider environment.”
He added:
“Keeping the masts in Kent will also preserve an important piece of the county’s maritime heritage, allowing future generations to learn more about the story of the vessel and the great sacrifices made by the Allied Forces during the Second World War.”
Nolan Conway, Project Manager at Resolve Marine, said the company is proud to support the UK government on the complex marine operation.
“Drawing on our extensive experience in complex marine operations, we are committed to executing this work safely, efficiently and in close collaboration with all stakeholders. This historic project represents a significant milestone in the ongoing management of one of the United Kingdom’s most closely monitored wreck sites.”
Paul Barnard, Deputy CEO of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, described the masts as internationally significant symbols of the Allied war effort.
“The masts of the SS Richard Montgomery have become a familiar landmark for generations of people living around Medway and Swale. As they begin the next chapter of their story, we are honoured the government has entrusted us with their conservation.”
He noted that visitors will be able to observe specialist conservation work in progress while learning about the remarkable history of the vessel.
Robin Rickard, Managing Director of Exord Ltd and Strategic Explosive Ordnance Advisor, said the company has worked closely with the Department for Transport over the past year to develop a safe engineering approach.
“Through extensive technical assessment, survey work and risk analysis, we have helped develop an approach that enables these important works to be undertaken safely and in line with recognised industry best practice.”
He added that Exord will continue providing specialist support throughout the operation to ensure explosive ordnance risks are carefully managed.
The mast removal project represents one of the UK’s most significant recent marine salvage, shipwreck management, and maritime heritage preservation initiatives, combining advanced offshore engineering with public safety while ensuring the legacy of the SS Richard Montgomery is preserved for generations.
