The 'MV Spudnik' made headlines in 2014 when it broke free from its moorings and drifted into Howe Sound with 6,500 litres of oil and fuel aboard.

The next step will be to stabilize the vessel and remove bilge water and oil to assist in the righting of the ship, beginning in January.

The Canadian Coast Guard says it will issue a contract to move the MV Farley Mowat from a berth in Shelburne.

The Coast Guard is now towing the derelict vessel 'Spudnik' to New Westminster after it broke away from its moorings earlier today.

There are renewed calls for the federal government to take action on the derelict vessels littering B.C.'s waterways.