The owners of the grounded bulk carrier Glory Amsterdam have hired a salvage company to pull the ship off the beach in Germany, but it could be days before any refloat attempt is made, German officials said Tuesday. 

Germany’s Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CCME) reported Tuesday that a salvage plan has been approved and assets and equipment are currently being mobilized.

“Together with the salvage company, we are preparing the salvage step by step. Safety is essential in all measures – we agree with the shipowner and the salvage experts, “said Hans-Werner Monsees, head of CCME’s accident management unit.

Incident Photos: Bulk Carrier GLORY AMSTERDAM Aground Off Germany

For the operation, the salvage team is bringing in the tugs Fairmount Summit, which is currently in nearby Wilhelmshaven, and the tug Union Manta, now underway from Great Britain. Up to 1000m of tow line is also being prepared.

According to CCME, however, no towing attempt is planned today or tomorrow.

“We hope we did it before the weekend,” said Monsees.

Prior to the towing attempt, all ballast water will be pumped out of the ship, but there is currently no plan to remove the 1,800 tonnes of heavy fuel oil and 140 tonnes of marine diesel on board, CCME said. The ship is reported to be structurally sound and so far there have been no signs of pollution.

All 22 crew members remain on board the ship along with four members of the salvage team who were helicoptered in on Monday.

Inspections of the ship’s tanks are being carried out every hour, according to CCME.

The 225-meter, Panama-flagged MV Glory Amsterdam ran aground about 2km from Germany’s Langeoog Island on Sunday after dragging anchor in severe weather. CCME said a technical defect in the ship’s steering gear is currently being investigated.