By Jung Min-ho
The Korean government opened bidding Friday to select a company that will salvage the Sewol ferry that sank last year, killing 304 people.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said that its evaluation will focus on the bidders’ capability to pull the 6,825-ton ferry from the sea without causing any significant damage to the ship. This will prevent any possible loss of the nine bodies believed to still be inside.
The successful bidder will be announced by the end of July with the goal of beginning the salvage operation in September, the ministry said.
On the basis of 100 points, bidders will be evaluated on technology (80) and prices (20), the ministry said.
“We will thoroughly evaluate each bidder on its skills to lift the entire ship intact and safely handle any fuel leaks and other potential safety accidents that may occur,” the ministry said Thursday.
The ministry added that bidders willing to work with Korean companies in the operation will receive additional points.
Experts in international law, salvaging technology, insurance and consulting will help the ministry in the negotiations.
The ferry sank on April 16, 2014. Most of the victims were high school students who were on a school trip to the southern resort island of Jeju. The bodies of nine passengers have yet to be found.
Salvaging the ferry from the water has been a key demand by the victims’ families. One year after the incident, the government finally announced last month that the ferry would be raised.
The government said that the work is expected to cost between 100 billion won ($91 million) and 250 billion won, considering weather conditions in the area which is prone to strong winds and difficult ocean currents.