First oil removed from Costa Concordia

Currently four of the six forward fuel tanks have been installed with a sealable flange, SMIT said, adding that as operations continue, the remaining tanks will also be prepared.

The first tank that was connected to the pumps is relatively small and located on the port side of the ship.

SMIT said the weather forecast for the coming days 'looks good and pumping will continue around the clock as long as the favorable conditions continue.'