INTERNATIONAL SALVAGE UNION
April 2021
World watches as ISU member refloats Suez container ship Professional salvors worked under intense international scrutiny to free the giant containership EVER GIVEN which grounded in the Suez Canal in late March. Slewed across the waterway, the stranded vessel interrupted a significant volume of world trade as other vessels backed up at either end of the canal. Politicians and consumers alike were given a graphic demonstration of the great benefit provided to shipping and the world economy by professional salvors - members of the International Salvage Union - who are in most cases the only agency with the experience, equipment and people to undertake the kind of job successfully completed by ISU members, Smit Salvage and Nippon Salvage, working together with the Suez Canal Authority. Dredging, land-based excavation and powerful tugs were used to refloat the boxship which was fully laden with goods from China destined for Europe. The case of the EVER GIVEN was particularly visible but the 50 members
of the ISU have an excellent track record of dealing successfully with incidents involving all classes of vessel in locations around the world in all kinds of conditions. Statistics recently published by ISU show that in 2020 its members provided nearly 200 salvage services (see story below.) Keeping world trade moving is a key part of the salvor’s role, ensuring that all kinds of goods are kept safe and delivered to their destination intact and as soon as possible. By providing their services, the salvors preserve the value of the goods
and prevent or reduce potentially huge losses for the ship and cargo owners’ insurers and re-insurers. In the recent Suez Canal case, the operation had far wider benefit by unblocking this vital trade artery for hundreds of other cargo vessels. The Suez Canal case clearly demonstrates the value provided to world shipping and society in general by the professional marine salvors and how important it is that a viable marine salvage industry and resources are sustained and kept available worldwide.
ISU pollution prevention survey 2020 – results ISU members provided 191 services to vessels carrying 2,538,210 tonnes of potentially polluting cargo and fuel during operations in 2020. It demonstrates the critical role of professional salvors in protecting the marine environment. The data come from the results of the ISU’s Annual Pollution Prevention Survey for operations in 2020. President of the ISU, Richard Janssen, said: “Governments have talked for many years about zero tolerance for pollution, but society now demands it. Widespread public support for the environmental movement shows that care for the environment is now mainstream and has put it at the heart of political and economic decision making. ISU members have been preventing pollution for decades and
we are proud of our great contribution to environmental protection.”
to 502,845 tonnes (allowing a nominal 15 tonnes per TEU.)
The 2020 figures show a small increase from 2019’s total of 2.3 million tonnes. One or two VLCCs can have a significant impact on the overall numbers. For example, crude oil in 2020 was 360,733 tonnes, similar to 2019’s 400,000 tonnes while the equivalent in 2018 was 978,000 tonnes.
Bulk cargoes decreased slightly to 744,246 tonnes in 2020. This category includes products such as coal, scrap steel, grains, soya and cement. A number of bulk cargoes are not included as potential pollutants and ISU members also provided services to bulkers carrying 521,326 tonnes of non-hazardous dry bulk – mainly metal ores. Bunker fuel, at 111,886 tonnes stays very similar to the 115,811 tonnes identified in cases in 2019 and remarkably similar to the 111,796 tonnes for 2018.
Cargoes of refined oil products also fell in 2020 to 112,096 - less than half of 2019 figure of 278,046 tones. At the same time, chemical cargoes nearly doubled to 133,150 tonnes in 2020. The number of containers involved in ISU members’ services in 2020 rose to 33,523 TEU up Photo: Action Press / Shutterstock from 25,799 TEU in 2019. The number of containers in cases in 2020 equates 1
A number of the services noted in the survey did not record the quantity of bunkers or the cargo type. The survey does not include any of the cases for Continues page 2
2020 ISU pollution prevention survey results continued
All pollutant figures in tonnes
former ISU member Ardent.
Results
2020 2019
Richard Janssen added: “The numbers, when compared with other years, show the variability of our industry. We are always transparent with the survey we know that not all of these potential pollutants were at risk of going into the sea.
Number of services
191 214
Bunker fuel
111,886 115,811
Crude oil
360,733 400,000
Refined oil products
112,096 278,046
Chemicals
133,150 70,944
Bulk polluting/hazardous
744,246 961,061
TEU (tonnes equivalent)
502,845 386,985
Other pollutants
51,928 95,909
Totals
2,538,210 2,308,756
"Some cases will have had limited danger but many others will have carried a real risk of substantial environmental damage. Continued global provision of professional salvage services - those offered by members of the ISU - is essential.” Of the 191 services in 2020, variants of wreck removal/marine services contracts were used in 22 services; Lloyd’s Open Form – 34 services. Towage contracts accounted for 45 services; Japanese Form – 11 services; Fixed Price and Lump Sum – 7 services; Day Rate – 21 services and other contracts were used in 36 services. The Turkish Form was used in 15 services.
(33,523 TEU @ nominal 15 tonnes/TEU)
The survey was first conducted by ISU in 1994 and the methodology was updated in 2014 to include a wider range of potential pollutants including containers and hazardous and dirty bulk cargoes. The survey takes account of the International Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), Intercargo guidance,
(25,799 TEU @ nominal 15 tonnes/TEU)
P&I Club guidance; International Tanker Owners’ Pollution Federation publications and the International Solid Bulk Cargoes Code. In the period 1994 to end-2020, ISU members have provided services to casualty vessels carrying 36,266,570 tonnes of potential pollutants, an average of 1.4 million tonnes per year.
Percentages of pollutants
Quantity of pollutants (tonnes)
Contracts used
Trends (tonnes)
2
ISU News
Associate Members’ Day Conference ISU held its traditional Associate Members’ Day Conference as a webinar. More than 150 delegates registered for the event and the programme was shorter than usual but included high calibre speakers. Richard Janssen, President of the ISU opened the conference on the theme of environmental protection. He noted the headline results of the ISU’s 2020 Pollution Prevention Survey (see story Page 1) and welcomed the other speakers: the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, Guy Platten; the Chief Executive of the International Group of P&I Clubs, Nick Shaw, representing the liability insurers and from the International Union of Marine Insurers, Executive Committee member, Frédéric Denèfle. Mr Janssen commented: “I have always said that insurers and salvors should work cooperatively together because we serve the same client – the shipowner.” Mr Shaw also emphasised the environmental context. He said: “Helping to preserve and restore the environment is absolutely key.” He also noted that salvors were fundamental to safety and casualty response and the importance of ensuring there is a global casualty response capability. The IG is also to launch a survey of the industry, led by former UK Secretary of
BIMCO Wreck Removal contract updates ISU continues to work on the updates to the BIMCO Wreck Removal and Marine Services contracts. Industry partners are negating new texts under the chairmanship of ISU President, Richard Janssen, facilitated by BIMCO and with independent legal scrutiny from Tony Goldsmith of Hill Dickinson and Andrew Chamberlain of HFW. Work also continues between ISU and the International Group of P&I Clubs to revise the Code of Practice relating to SCOPIC. ISU AGM 2021 ISU is continuing to “hold the date” for the ISU AGM to be held in Rotterdam, 16 September. However, the ongoing difficulties and restrictions means it
Screen shot of virtual ISU Associate Members' Day Conference panel. Top row L-R Roger Evans, James Herbert, Richard Janssen. Middle row L-R Guy Platten, Frédéric Denèfle. Bottom row L-R Nick Shaw, Nick Sloane.
State’s Representative for Marine Salvage and Intervention (SoSRep), to get a better understanding of the issue of delays to agreeing salvage contracts by the property insurers. Mr Shaw said the IG sees salvors as its “partners”. Guy Platten outlined the three key issues for owners' groups: seafarers' issues and concerns particularly in the light of the Covid pandemic; climate change and emissions and trade issues – the removal of protectionism. He said that there were some US$ 1.7 trillion of non-tariff barriers in the shipping industry. Mr Denèfle outlined IUMI’s current work
is considered likely that alternative arrangements will be needed. The ISU Executive Committee has agreed that a final decision will be made in June about whether to hold a physical AGM (possibly much later in the year and possibly in London) or a virtual AGM. IMO 2021 Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea ISU Members are reminded that the dealine for entries to the awards is imminent: 15 April 2021. The Award Guidelines were amended in 2018 to allow for nominations which may now also involve displays of extraordinary seamanship skills in very difficult conditions or any other acts of outstanding courage occurring at sea. Further information can be accessed 3
and its major claims data base which is building up a substantial body of information from IUMI national member organisations since its creation. The event concluded with a panel Q and A session facilitated by ISU communications adviser, James Herbert. The panel addressed fuel quality and the possibility of main engine breakdown; readiness for alternative fuels; “green” engine management systems causing power loss; liability for extra costs due to Covid restrictions such as quarantine-ing of salvage crews and delays in agreeing salvage contracts.
through "IMO Awards and Recognitions" on the IMO website. BIMCO Towage Contracts As reported in previous editions, the BIMCO towage and barge hire contracts have been revised. ISU particitpation in the review was led by immediate past President Ms Charo Coll and the contracts are now available for use on BIMCO’s contract editor, SmartCon, and sample copies, with explanatory notes, can be found on BIMCO’s website: https://www.bimco.org/contracts-andclauses/bimco-contracts/towcon-2021# https://www.bimco.org/contracts-andclauses/bimco-contracts/towhire-2021
Members’ News Five Oceans Salvage Five Oceans has expanded its capabilities and ability to “efficiently and swiftly provide high standard pollution response, abatement and clean-up services on short notice, globally during salvage operations" by teaming up with Antipollution SA, a Piraeus-based anti-pollution services provider. Antipollution provides a flexible team of experts on 24/7 stand-by, ready to be mobilised worldwide on FOS instructions, together with specialized equipment. Antipollution also provides reception and treatment facilities for ship-generated waste, cargo residues and any other pollutant that may arise from a marine casualty. Recent projects undertaken by Antipollution include the coastal clean-up operation following the sinking of AGHIA ZONI II in Greece and the clean-up and neutralization of the burnt containership MAERSK HONAM in the UAE. Boluda
Towage's headquarters in Valencia and will manage the above port towing activities. Boluda Towage said that it will strengthen and expand its offshore activities in North Western Europe, with close monitoring of the Baltic market, the Kiel canal and the Polish coast. Separately, Boluda Port Services, which provides mooring services and supply and transport with boats and barges to ships, has fully acquired Amarradores del Puerto de la Bahía de Cádiz. The acquisition coincided with the launch of Boluda’s daily Canarias line, a freight transport service connecting mainland Spain through the ports of Cádiz and Seville with the main Canary Islands ports. Tsavliris Tsavliris has officially become a signatory to the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change. It is part of a worldwide call to end the unprecedented
crew change crisis caused by Covid-19. Tsavliris said of the Neptune Declaration: "Hundreds of companies and organisations recognise that they have a shared responsibility based on their roles across the entire maritime value chain, and beyond, to ensure that the crew change crisis is resolved as soon as possible.” The Neptune Declaration defines four main actions to facilitate crew changes and keep global supply chains functioning: • Recognize seafarers as key workers and give them priority access to Covid-19 vaccines. • Establish and implement gold standard health protocols based on existing best practice. • Increase collaboration between ship operators and charterers to facilitate crew changes. • Ensure airline connectivity between key maritime hubs for seafarers.
Boluda Towage has purchased the Dutch company Iskes Towage & Salvage. Boluda said the the acquisition “reinforces its position as a leading operator in port towing and sustainable maritime solutions in Europe, by expanding new ports in the Netherlands and Germany, and incorporating the company's activity in Portugal.” Iskes Towage & Salvage will remain as its own entity under the direction of Boluda
Shipping industry identifies its key issues Leaders of the Round Table of International Shipping Associations - BIMCO, Intercargo, International Chamber of Shipping and Intertanko - met virtually to debate key issues facing the maritime industry. Appropriate recognition of seafarers, particularly in the context of the Covid pandemic, was highlighted. Climate change and reducing emissions remain a key priority for the industry. Members of the Round Table noted the importance that the shipping industry places on its environmental stewardship and on controlling and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. They also stressed that large-scale investment in research
and development is paramount for real progress towards a zero-carbon industry by 2050. The round table also confirmed its commitment to the industry-wide Maritime Research and Development Board (IMRB) initiative to accelerate the introduction of zero-emission technologies for maritime transport. The group said decarbonization can only be achieved with the “immediate acceleration of the development of zerocarbon fuels and technologies,” and the IMRB is a “crucial vehicle for driving the progress needed to build a zero-carbon shipping industry.” 4
Separately, the piracy threat in the Gulf of Guinea continues to escalate. It was recognised that Nigeria has invested in law enforcement capabilities, but the Round Table group said these are “likely to take some time before having a significant effect” and “effective maritime law enforcement in both territorial and international waters in the region is long overdue, and enforcement by able and willing naval forces is needed urgently to counter the deadly threat to seafarers”. Members of the Round Table were unanimous in their agreement to continually review options and to take all necessary actions to reduce the Nigerian piracy threat.
Russian ISU member responds to toxic gas casualty On February 19, the Russian Federation Maritime Rescue Service (MRS), Kerch unit, received a report that six of the eight crew had been poisoned on board the dry cargo vessel APRIL in the southern part of the Azov Sea. The vessel was laden with 1540 tonnes of ferrosilicon but the reason for the poisoning was unknown. It then emerged that the chief engineer had lost his life and it was necessary to arrange urgent medevac of the victims. Within one hour of notification, the ocean going tug MERCURY of Azov-Black Sea Branch of the MRS arrived to assist the seafarers. However, due to severe weather conditions and the APRIL’s very low freeboard, it was only possible to carry out the medevac after the vessel reached coastal refuge and anchored in the northern part of the Kerch Strait near the port of Kavkaz. On 20 February, medevac was required for the two remaining crew members on board who also now had symptoms of poisoning. According to expert assessment, the cause of the poisoning was the cargo - ferrosilicon - an alloy of iron and silicon with a typical silicon content of 15 - 90% by weight. When stored improperly or wetted, it emits the toxic gases phosphine and arsine as well as hydrogen. After the crew had left the vessel, an increasing list to starboard was observed and a salvage team boarded the damaged vessel in chemical protection suits and breathing apparatus, with gas analysis monitors and equipment to carry out any urgent salvage work. An inspection of the entire vessel (picture above right) revealed a spontaneous inflow of water into the isolated ballast
tanks on the starboard side. The rescuers closed all the doors and portholes on the casualty and, with power supplied by MERCURY, activated the vessel's diesel generators and, using its ballast pumps, pumped out the starboard tanks and the list was eliminated. Dive inspection of the hull showed a crack in the side ballast tank and a small hole in the bottom ballast tank and these were patched. After stabilization, the salvors from the tug MERCURY made a tow connection to ensure her safety without a crew in adverse weather conditions. The salvage team regularly measured the water level in the ballast tanks, as well as gas concentrations. During the first days, the level of safe gas concentration on the damaged vessel was significantly exceeded and all works were carried out in chemical protection suits and breathing apparatus. The operation was constantly monitored by specialists
from the Ministry of Emergency Situations and there was no danger to settlements nearby and no leakage of chemical substances has been reported. Until the shipowner decides how to proceed, MRS is continuing to ensure safe anchorage of the vessel without crew on board near the port of Kavkaz with the two tugs of MRS Azov-Black Sea Branch, MERCURY and DERZKIY, standing by. All seven surviving crew members received good medical aid and their health and lives are not in danger. Commenting on the operation, MRS First Deputy Director, Victor Chernov, said: “It could have been a very routine salvage operation except for the consideration that all the crew was poisoned by gas and disembarked. It was unusual for our team to do their regular salvage work wearing chemical protection suits and breathing apparatus.”
New quality standard for bulkers Intercargo and RightShip, the third-party maritime due diligence organisation, have announced the launch of a new quality standard for the dry bulk sector, DryBMS. The standard will be governed by a new NGO to be established later this year and will support the improvement of safety in the dry bulk sector.
Both organisations say they have “strongly and consistently” advocated the need for significant improvements to dry bulk safety standards and in 2020 they combined to create a single framework for the whole industry. Supported by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and BIMCO, 5
DryBMS now exists as a simple set of best practices and key performance indicators and raises standards in safety, environmental and operational excellence. ISU statistics show that bulkers represented 20% of the vessels to which ISU members provided services in 2020.
Associates’ and Affiliates' News European Tug Owners’ Association Speaking at the outset of the year, Chairman of ETA, Captain Kimmo Lehto stressed the resiliance and importance of its sector: “The challenges brought by Covid-19 have had a tremendous impact on our way of living, but also on our economy. As trade has gone down, the number of port calls have decreased, especially in cruise ports. Our sector is an essential part of the logistic chain that supplied food and other goods to and from Europe in 2020.” “Safety remains at the heart of our business. Our job is to ensure that the assets of shipping companies and ports are protected, and the ships are assisted safely and efficiently in European ports. As part of the maritime cluster, it is also our responsibility to ensure that we are doing our part to reach the ambitious 2050 zero emissions target. Indeed, protection and safety of the environment is also part of our responsibility. “With every challenging period comes a period of great opportunity. It is up to us to seize the opportunity and to learn from the lessons of 2020, to improve our businesses accordingly and to adapt swiftly and effectively to changing business opportunities." Mr Lehto added that the ETA board will continue to assist its members “holistically, ensuring that industry standards are well maintained. ETA will continue working together with the European policy makers and with the key stakeholders, such as ports and pilots, to keep our members up to date regarding the developments that might affect our industry.” Global Diving Alisa Preston, P. Eng., has joined Global Diving & Salvage, Inc. as Director of Marine Technology. She will lead the growth of Global’s underwater technology resources, “supporting their existing business lines while creating new opportunities.” Ms Preston will be responsible for the development of sustainable and innovative marine technology and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) services as an “integral part of the overall business strategies for both Global and Global’s sister company, MER Diving.” Waves Group Independent marine consultants Waves
Group has expanded its global reach and capabilities, opening a European office in Rotterdam and adding new LNG, fire and HAZMAT capabilities. The company has appointed JanPeter Breedeveld, who has over 30 years marine and offshore experience working on major projects globally, as an engineering director.
Regarding the bulker market, Intercargo said average earnings for the dry bulk sector in 2020 were the “worst for at least five years”. The Baltic Dry Index was down by around 20% from 2020, and the lowest since 2016. Dry bulk shipping demand contracted by up to -3% in volume and by more than -2% in tonne-miles.
Waves has also appointed Kenneth English - an LNG Specialist - and Paul Coates - a fire and HAZMAT expert strengthening its incident management and casualty response team. Mr English is a chartered engineer with over 20 years’ experience working mainly in LNG vessel operations, including emergency management of LNG fuels and cargoes. Mr Coates has extensive experience in the response and investigation of numerous marine fires, IMDG, Hazmat, drug laboratory and environmental protection incidents. He served in the UK Fire & Rescue Service with particular experience in marine incident and fire response. Waves said the appointments “build on the success of our Singapore office, digital data for marine casualties and recent casualty experience.” IUMI IUMI will hold its 2021 Conference, slated for Seoul 2- 15 September, online. The conference theme is: “Pathways to a sustainable, resilient and innovate future” and will be open to all parties and will focus on the post-Covid state of the shipping industry. It will analyse new risks and their insurability and will consider the future of marine insurance. Intercargo Intercargo has published its latest annual Benchmarking Report for dry bulk carriers, which shows that vessels registered with Intercargo continue to significantly outperform industry averages in respect of both detentions and deficiencies per inspection. Intercargo sadi that membership of its association is “widely recognised by the shipping industry as a marker of excellence” and the association said this strong record is a “testament to the quality of the association’s membership, which continues at the historic high levels of 2020, a doubling since 2017.” 6
Intercargo said the second half of the year was “much better than the first half, yet China’s exception in driving up demand was offset by a generalised slump in most other parts of the world, with India, Europe and the rest of Asia importing less bulk commodities.” On the supply side, Intercargo said the bulker newbuilding sector had a “dismal year in 2020.” According to market estimates, contracts, in terms of volume, dropped to their lowest level since 2016 and the second lowest in the last 20 years. It should ease the tonnage overcapacity in the sector, according to the trade body which added that through 2021, increasing demand and a low orderbook are the main reasons for optimism: a “cautious outlook" points to global seaborne trade progressively regaining momentum. Dry bulk trade could rebound by around 4% in volume and even higher in tonnemiles. At the same time, low deliveries are expected to keep supply growth within 2% to 3% levels.”
Irish ISU member assists stricken fishing vessel Atlantic Towage and Marine’s tug, OCEAN CHALLENGER, is seen, right, connecting up to a disabled fishing vessel off the South West coast of Ireland in poor weather in late February. Atlantic towed the fishing vessel back to port to be repaired. Sean Harrington, Managing Director, said: “It was quite challenging with the strong currents and poor visibility.” Separately, in January, Atlantic used its multicat, OCEAN SUPPORTER, along with a crane barge, to raise a small fishing boat that had sunk on the East Coast of Ireland.
Left: Atlantic Towage and Marine team members Pat O’Sullivan (left) and Kevin O’Driscoll (right).
Rob Wallis retires as ISU Legal Advisor ISU legal adviser, Rob Wallis retired from his position as ISU legal adviser at the end of March and was succeeded by Richard Gunn, master mariner and partner at Reed Smith LLC. ISU President, Richard Janssen, thanked Rob for his contribution to ISU with the following words given at the ISU Associate Members’ Day Conference:
Committee and membership legal guidance since 2010, when he attended his first ISU AGM in Nice. He succeeded Archie Bishop who had held the role for two decades. Rob quickly established himself and with his impressive track record and knowledge of the industry he was a more than worthy successor to Mr Bishop. “Rob may not like to be reminded but his early experience at ISU included what might best be called a “bruising” encounter with the clubs at the Comité Maritime International in Beijing considering the issue of environmental salvage. It demonstrated Rob’s great ability to be robust and also even handed and fair, qualities which have served ISU well for over a decade.
“Rob’s long and successful career in maritime law goes back to the 1970s and he has provided our Excecutive
“In that time, Rob has attended on our behalf dozens of Lloyds’ Salvage Group meetings, SCOPIC committee meetings, SCR seminars and of course some 40 ISU Executive Committee meetings and a similar number of sub-committee meetings. He has also worked on revisions to SCOPIC, new editions of the 7
Lloyd’s Open Form and amendments to the LSSA clauses; updates to the BIMCO wreck contracts as well as numerous ISU issues, positions and strategies. “Rob has been consistent and wise in his advice and approach to legal matters and wider shipping issues and his work has always been in the interests of the members of the ISU and our industry. “At the same time, Rob has been a good companion and advocate for the industry at numerous social functions and events. It has been a great pleasure to see him enjoying the company of the next generation of leaders of our industry, often members of the ISU salvage subcommittee. “Away from work, Rob is a fine sportsman and a keen golfer. He has been a mainstay of numerous industry golf events including the annual matches that have followed the ISU AGM in various parts of the world. I expect that retirement will see him even more often on the golf course and we wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.”
Tsavliris separates vessels in “T-Bone” collision On 13 March 2021, the bulk carriers AFINA I (dwt 12,824 tonnes) and KIVELI (dwt 38,191 tonnes), collided in a T-shape, 13 miles NW of Kythira island, Greece. KIVELI was on passage from Morocco to Bulgaria laden with 36,100 tonnes of Khouribga Rock Phosphate while AFINA I was en route from Novorosisk, Russia, to Spain, laden with 12,069 tonnes of hot briquetted iron. Tsavliris were contracted the same day under LOF by the owners of the KIVELI to provide salvage assistance and unlock the two casualties. Tsavliris mustered a fleet of tugs and deployed all necessary facilities, divers and salvage personnel to undertake the task. On 14 March, the vessels were moved by tugs in locked condition to Vatika Bay, off Elafonisos island, Peloponnese and on 28 March the vessels were successfully separated without any damage or environmental pollution. Other recent Tavliris cases included the NAVIOS SUN a 76,619 tones dwt bulker immobilised off Kuriles Island, north east of Japan while on a voyage from Kushiro, Japan, to Vancouver, Canada, in ballast. Tsavliris despatched the ocean-going salvage tug KOYO MARU - BP 132 tonnes - from her salvage station in Hakodate, Japan, together with a salvage master and two salvage officers on board, arriving at the casualty’s position after two days. Tow connection was established and towage to
Fuzhou, China commenced. The operation was hampered by poor weather and the vessel becoming entangled with a fishing net but eventually, with additional tug assistance, the casualty safely berthed at Fujian Huadong Shipyard. Separately, the immobilised bulker SOLSTICE N (dwt 44,022 tonnes) was successfully towed from Genova to Piraeus Roads by the A H LIGURIA (180 tonnes BP). Elsewhere, in February, SALLY M - 7,435 tones dwt and fully laden with salt - ran aground at Katakolo port entrance, Ionian Sea, Greece, while en-route from Egypt to Slovenia. Tsavliris’ Patras-based salvage tug
PROTEAS (45 tonne BPl), working with the tug CHRISTOS XXV (30 tonnes BP), successfully refloated the vessel. Also in this quarter, Tsavliris provided assistance to the MASTER, 81,588 tonnes dwt and fully laden with soya beans. She was en-route from Kalama Port, Portland, USA, to China and began to run out of fuel, due to head winds and seas during her westerly trans-pacific crossing. As above, Tsavliris despatched the KOYO MARU to escort the bulker but when the MASTER did run out of fuel she was towed to Muroran anchorage in Japan to replenish bunkers and the operation was successfully completed.
Flag state performance table The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has published the latest Flag State Performance Table (2020/2021) which finds that many of the largest flag states – including the Marshall Islands, Hong Kong (China), Singapore as well as the Bahamas and Cyprus– continue to perform to a high standard, with traditional flags and open registers performing equally well. ICS Secretary General, Guy Platten, noted: “The Table clearly indicates that distinctions between ‘traditional’ flags and open registers are no longer meaningful. Alongside several European registers,
and flags such as Japan, we have seen many open registers among the very top performers”. The purpose of the Flag State Performance Table is: • To encourage shipowners and operators to examine whether a flag State has sufficient substance before using it. • To encourage shipowners and operators to put pressure on their flag administrations to make any improvements that might be necessary, especially in relation to safety of life at sea; the protection of the marine environment and 8
the provision of decent working and living conditions for seafarers. Among the 10 largest ship registers, covering more than 70% of the world fleet, none have more than two indicators of potentially negative performance and five have no negative indicators at all. The ICS says its Flag State Performance Table provides an "invaluable indicator" of the performance of individual flag states worldwide. It analyses how the countries included deliver against a number of criteria such as Port State Control (PSC) records. The table can be accessed from the new ICS website.
Multraship raises sunken trawler in English Channel On 23 December 2020, the trawler RIEMDA UK160 sank after capsizing in the English Channel, 18 miles northwest of Dieppe, France. None of the five crew were injured. Four were rescued by fellow fisherman from another trawler and one crew member was pulled from the sea by a French helicopter. Multraship Salvage was awarded the wreck removal contract and in early January the salvage vessel MULTRASALVOR 4 mobilised to the site with a salvage and dive team to carry out inspections and start preparatory works, despite the changeable local weather conditions at that time of year. The vessel had sunk in 44 metre water depth and work periods were limited due to weather and tidal conditions. After preparing the wreck for lifting, MULTRASALVOR 4 demobilised and the salvors had to wait for a favourable “weather window” to continue the operation. In late March the team resumed the salvage work and mobilised the heavy lift vessel CORMORANT and tugs MULTRATUG 17 and MULTRATUG 18. The trawler was lifted and refloated on 24th March, after which MULTRATUG 17 towed RIEMDA UK 160 to Flushing, the Netherlands, with fast rescue craft BRANDARIS attending alongside with additional pumping capacity.
Picture courtesy: Remco van Meerveld
ISU Meritorious Service Award ISU members are reminded that they may at any time make a nomination for the ISU Meritorious Service Award.
as employees of Associate Members or public bodies – might be considered for an Award.
• The acts or service must be such that they would be widely recognised as exceptional by the industry.
The award is not a specific “bravery award", it is made for meritorious services during a salvage operation, or perhaps over a period of time. It can be that the Award is made to a sub-contractor of a Member, or to a person on the shore staff of a Member, or for long service. But acts of bravery are not excluded.
• The Award may be made to more than one individual for the same act or service.
Nominations should be sent to the Secretary General. There is no standard form to be completed, but nominations should clearly make the case for the Award and include details of the individual(s) who are being proposed and any relevant supporting material.
The Criteria • Open to employees of ISU Full Member companies or their sub-contractors. In exceptional circumstances others – such
• There is no limit on the amount of Awards which may be made, equally there is no expectation that Awards should be made with set frequency. • The Award is made for acts or service beyond what would be expected in the course of normal duties. • The Award is made for acts or service that benefit the salvage industry. 9
The nomination will be considered by Exco and, if accepted, the Award can be presented to the recipient by their company senior management or be presented by the President at the next ISU AGM or Associate Members’ Day.
Five Oceans Salvage operations Five Oceans Salvage reports that it has strengthened its capabilities and expanded its network of partners and alliances with two new joint ventures (see also Members' News). For emergency response, FOS has recently established a salvage station in northern Greece, jointly with local tug operator LUCKY STAR TUGS. FOS has set up a salvage equipment depot inside the port of Alexandroupolis and maintains readiness to mobilize the Greek-flagged, 6,550bhp, 80 tonne bollard pull tug AEGEAN STAR to respond to casualties in Greek waters and the Eastern Mediterranean. The new arrangements were used in FOS’s first case of the year, a Lloyd’s Open Form for the bulk carrier CHRISTOS THEO that ran aground in the Suez Canal and suffered damage to her propeller and
rudder. The vessel was laden with 36,000 tonnes of steel products. Five Oceans Salvage dispatched the salvage tug AEGEAN STAR from its salvage station in northern Greece, as noted above, to pick up the vessel from Port Said and tow her to the various cargo destinations in Slovenia and Italy (picture, rigth). The AEGEAN STAR was replaced in the course of the operation by tug EDT ANDROMEDA, after sustaining serious damage to her towing gear in extremely bad weather. After calling at Koper, Venice and Ravenna under tow and delivering her entire cargo, CHRISTOS THEO was towed to Greece where she was redelivered. A second FOS case was a Lloyd’s Open Form for the general cargo ship BEATA that was immobilized between Greece and Egypt on 19 January in very bad weather.
FOS dispatched the tug FAIRPLAY 31 from Greece to assist and tow the BEATA safely to Cyprus where she arrived after five days for repairs.
Resolve Marine in action around the world A general cargo vessel was pushed against the breakwater of Tripoli Port by a strong storm that was battering the area. After her anchors dragged, the crew could not respond in time to avoid a grounding. And the engine room and cargo holds were flooded as a result of the grounding. Resolve was awarded a Lloyd's Open Form with Scopic invoked and responded swiftly to the casualty. Resolve described the operation as “challenging” including regaining the casualty’s electrical power and bringing its cranes back into action. Resolve mobilised its salvage team and portable salvage equipment from its European response depots to Malta. The team then joined a tug for the transit from Malta to Libya.
free from her moorings near the port at Hunterston, North Ayrshire, Scotland. The small crew onboard was able to drop anchor and avoid grounding. A sister drillship, moored in tandem, was also in danger of breaking free during the adverse weather. Resolve Marine, together with Svitzer Towage UK, were called in to assist and safely moor the vessels back in their original positions. Resolve mobilised a UK based salvage team who worked closely with the UK Coastguard and owners of both vessels to safely complete the operation after seven days. In total, five tugs from Svitzer and one from Briggs Marine were used.
On the same day that the drill ship went adrift, 7000 miles away in Arentina, a 74,000 tonne dwt bulker grounded in Puerto San Martin area of the Parana River. The vessel was carrying 47,000 tonnes of maize and Resolve, together with their Argentinian partner, Servicios Maritimos, were contracted to refloat the vessel in the most safe and efficient way. The salvors dispatched a salvage master and a 60 tonnes BP tug. Under the direction of the Resolve salvage master, the vessel was safely refloated in accordance with the Prefectura’s approved refloat plan. After the vessel was inspected by the authorities, she was cleared and resumed her voyage. Resolve Marine re-berths a drillship which had broken free in bad weather in Scotland.
The vessel was prepared for air pressurisation and potential lightering to regain buoyancy and she was safely refloated using the tugs SEA JULIETT and ASSO 24. The vessel was brought into the port of Tripoli and the cargo was discharged and further stabilisation work was undertaken to the casualty before passage to Turkey where she was redelivered to her owners. On the evening of 2 February, a drillship went adrift, without power, breaking 10
International Monitor Pilots
USA The US National Transportation Safety Bord has reported on the fatal fire on the US flagged 23 metre passenger vessel, Conception in late 2019. There were 39 people on board and 34 lost their lives. The overnight, unattended charging of a large number of batteries was a normal practice on board and was a risk that had not been considered. NTSB said each device and battery represented a separate potential source of ignition. The fire started while the vessel was at anchor off Santa Cruz Island, California. Five crew members were asleep in the crew berthing area on the upper deck. One crew member and all 33 passengers - mostly recreational divers - were asleep in the bunkroom below. The Coast Guard and other first responder vessels began arriving on scene within 90 minutes but, despite firefighting and search and rescue efforts, the vessel burned to the waterline and sank just after daybreak. The NTSB report drew 18 conclusions: there was no definitive ignition source but the most likely sources include the electrical distribution system of the vessel, unattended batteries being charged or improperly discarded smoking materials. The lack of smoke detectors in the saloon delayed detection and allowed the fire to grow and directly led to the high number of fatalities in the accident. The fire also grew due to the absence of the required roving patrol. Bunkroom emergency escape arrangements were inadequate because both means of escape led to the same space, which was obstructed by a well-developed fire. London International Shipping Week The organisers of London International Shipping Week 2021, have confirmed that it will go ahead this year, 13-17 September. They say the week-long event will be “agile, seamlessly blending in-person events with a range of online activities via a dedicated portal.” It gives the flexibility to take account of any Covid-19 restrictions which may affect the meetings in September. Recognising that there remains a risk that Covid restrictions may still be in place or may be reimposed, detailed planning based on a number of different scenarios will enable organisers to change their events from in-person to virtual.
John Hulmes, Chair of the LISW21 Steering Committee said: “After a year of international lockdown, the shipping industry is keen to once again conduct business face-to-face.” He continued: “I am delighted that London International Shipping Week 2021 will go ahead in September and we are working on several strategies and scenarios to enable the event to deliver the valuable interactions which our delegates, sponsors and supporters expect, whatever restrictions may be in place at the time.” Further information about LISW21 can be found on the event website: www. londoninternationalshippingweek.com UK The UK has created a new standards and safety regime to shape the future of training for autonomous shipping globally. The MASSPeople, Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) International Training Standards working group will develop world-leading training standards for people operating autonomous vessels. The UK is the first flag state to join the network and will work with the International Maritime Organisation to ensure development and roll out of autonomous vessels is safe and secure by design. As a founding member of MASSPeople, the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency will seek to develop world-leading training standards for those who operate these types of vessels. The UK has invited selected flag states to take part in the International Training Standards working group to look at establishing high standards of training in MASS. The group consists of representatives from European and International maritime authorities. Katy Ware, Director of Maritime Safety and Standards said: “As new technology is introduced and new ways of working with it, we want to make sure the training standards keep pace with it so that our seafarers stay safe while they work.” The standards currently in place in the International Convention of Standards on Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) do not provide for standards for the operation of MASS.
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Aberdeen, UK, Pilot, Ewan Rattray, has published a peer reviewed research paper, “Snakes or ladders a mixed methodology review into the boarding and landing of maritime pilots” which examines the safety of operations concerning pilots, particularly their safe boarding and landing. There have been a number of pilot fatalities. The research produced a set of key findings such as a failure in regulation, regulatory enforcement, training and vessel design. The research suggests an industry which “did not promote, encourage or learn from accidents and incidents". This resulted in an industry which erroneously and dangerously left pilots to become the last line of defence in a system which did not work. Although the research identified several key failings, the main conclusion was that there are several key measures which can be adopted which would greatly improve the safe boarding and landing of pilots. The recommendations centre on enforcement; a unified and international code of best practice to simplify the regulations; that transfer arrangements should be studied and tested to ensure the best possible design solution; better information should be harvested and analysed. In the longer term all of the regulation and associated documents must be consolidated, simplified and brought into The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
INTERNATIONAL SALVAGE UNION Salvage World is produced by the International Salvage Union. For general enquiries contact: ISU, Holland House 1-4 Bury Street London EC3A 5AW Tel: +44 20 7220 6597 Email: ISU@marine-salvage.com