The conservation of the Barceloneta I shipwreck at the Catalan Underwater Archaeology Centre (MAC-CASC).

Abstract

Conservation work on the archaeological wood from the Barceloneta I shipwreck started in 2008 with its discovery during excavation work and continued with the arrival of the wooden pieces at the Catalan Underwater Archaeology Centre (CASC). The treatment started with the removal of salts and impregnation to saturation with polyethylene glycol, and in March 2015 the wood was transferred to the Maritime Museum of Barcelona (MMB) to carry out controlled drying and/or stabilisation. This work was completed in November
2015.

This summary covers a seven-year journey (2008-2015) from the moment the shipwreck was discovered to final stabilisation at ambient temperature and humidity. Conserving a shipwreck of this nature involves a huge
amount of work, and requires an extraordinary budget and the involvement of specialist technicians and various institutions.