Arctic salvage

Left: The Northguider aground in icy water Above: Exceptionally challenging weather and ice conditions restricted the annual window for operations. In the beginning of July 2020, SMIT started the second removal campaign with the mobilisation of a fleet of nine vessels, ±40 salvage personnel and a range of equipment to the Arctic location.

restricted the annual window for operations. The area is usually ice-free in August but the weather changed as the salvage operation was about the commence. The wind turned and ice floes forced SMIT to suspend the operation and demobilize temporarily. In the beginning of July 2020, SMIT started the second removal campaign with the mobilisation of a fleet of nine vessels, ±40 salvage personnel and a range of equipment to the Arctic location.

HOSTILE LOCATION

Besides the challenges associated directly to the wreck removal operations of the “Northguider”, it was also required for the SMIT to consider the challenges of working in one of the most hostile and remote locations on our planet. Managing the ice - both outside and inside the vessel - the presence of -magnificent but potentially dangerous wildlife including polar bears, and the required polar code, under which assets have to adhere to and comply with when working/ sailing in polar regions, are just a some of the limitations that SMIT had to plan around.

Additional challenges, were found when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out and new safety protocols, regulations and restrictions had to be adhered to. Successfully adapting to both the common and unique challenges, SMIT removed the wreck in approximately 50 pieces which were loaded on the barges and transported for disposal. A dive team removed the remaining materials from the seabed. The operation was executed through good cooperation with Owners’ P&I Club (Gard) and the local authorities (NCA & Governor of Svalbard). The wreck was removed well ahead of schedule and the project is considered a success by all parties. As such, the armada of vessels was demobilized safely to their home ports, with the barges containing the wreck and debris sailing towards the location of safe disposal. This project has been reported as the most Northern sizable wreck removal operation in records of salvage history.

“Managing the ice - both outside and inside the vessel - the presence of -magnificent but potentially dangerous wildlife including polar bears, and the required polar code, under which assets have to adhere to and comply with when working/sailing in polar regions, are just some of the limitations that SMIT had to

plan around.’’

Robert Meijer , Smit