Removal of the Costa Concordia shipwreck, originally scheduled for completion by January of 2013, will be delayed until spring.

The consortium hired to refloat and remove the wreck from the waters off the coast of Italy told the Osservatorio, the entity supervising the operations, about the new timeline this week.

Pompano Beach-based Titan Salvage and Italian marine firm Micoperi were contracted for the project.

“The companies engaged in the salvage operation believe the new schedule is a realistic estimate, and all partners are committed to maximizing efficiency while maintaining the same high level of safety and environmental protection,” Costa Cruises said in a statement.

The Italian cruise operator, owned by Carnival Corp., said the timeline also allows time for subcontractors to deliver all the parts needed for the complicated job.

Costa said the plans are being constantly updated, including revisions needed to the installation of underwater supports and drilling techniques.

“It is a dynamic and evolutionary project, and the different phases have to be continuously verified and confirmed through coordination with technicians and researchers on site,” the company said.

The Concordia struck a rock and capsized on Jan. 13 near Giglio, off the coast of Tuscany, after the captain allegedly steered the ship on an unauthorized route too close to shore. The wreck killed 32 people.