INTERNATIONAL SALVAGE UNION
April 2022
ISU pollution prevention survey shows great environmental benefit of salvage industry Members of the International Salvage Union (ISU) provided 226 services to vessels carrying 2.6 million tonnes of potentially polluting cargo and fuel during operations in 2021. 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 2021. President of the ISU, Captain Nicholas Sloane, said: “The shipping industry knows only too well that it is under the spotlight for its environmental performance: both for the environmental impact of operating ships and for the threat they, and their cargo, present to the environment. "All casualties have the potential to develop into serious incidents and, in a world where even the smallest amount of pollution is unacceptable, the work of our members is essential. “The most eye-catching number in these results is for containers. ISU members provided services to vessels carrying more than 100,000 TEU amounting to more than 1.5 million tonnes of cargo. "The mixed nature of such cargoes including dangerous goods, harmful chemicals, plastic pellets - means that they are potentially highly polluting and difficult and dangerous to deal with.” Captain Sloane added: “Shipowners and insurers are increasingly under pressure to demonstrate their ESG credentials (Environmental, Social and Governance) and, where engaged, ISU members play an important role in helping them to meet their environmental obligations and demonstrate their commitment. Continued global provision of the professional salvage services offered by members of the ISU is essential.” Crude oil cargo was relatively low in
2021 at 103,408 tonnes while cargoes of refined oil products rose to 182,232 tonnes. Chemical cargoes fell significantly to 24,126 tonnes in 2021. The number of containers involved in ISU members’ services in 2021 climbed dramatically to 103,935 TEU equating to some to 1,559,025 tonnes (allowing a nominal 15 tonnes per TEU.) Bulk cargoes decreased significantly to 424,719 tonnes in 2021 compared to 744,246 tonnes last time. 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 209,475 tonnes of non-hazardous dry bulk – mainly metal ores. 11 cases had more that 2000 tonnes of bunkers on board and the total of bunkers involved was 89,456 tonnes. An increased number of the services noted in the survey did not record the quantity of bunkers or the cargo type. ISU is clear that not all these potential pollutants were at immediate risk of going into the sea. Some cases will have had limited danger, but many others will have
carried a real risk of causing substantial environmental damage. The 226 services in 2021 included 30 wreck removal/marine services contracts; 26 Lloyd’s Open Forms. 52 towage contracts; 15 Japanese Forms; 8 Fixed Price and Lump Sum contracts; 27 Day Rate contracts; 44 other contracts and 24 Turkish Forms. 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. In the period 1994 to end-2021, ISU members have provided services to casualty vessels carrying 38,872,986 tonnes of potential pollutants, an average of 1.4 million tonnes per year.
2021 ISU pollution prevention survey results Results
2021
2020
Number of services
226
191
Bunker fuel
89,456
111,886
Crude oil
103,408
360,733
Refined oil products
182,232
112,096
Chemicals
24,126
133,150
Bulk polluting/hazardous
424,719
744,246
TEU (tonnes equivalent)
1,559,025
502,845
Other pollutants
2,793
51,928
Totals
2,595,216
2,538,210
Photo: Action Press / Shutterstock
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(103,935 TEU @ nominal 15 tonnes/TEU)
(33,523 TEU @ nominal 15 tonnes/TEU)
All pollutant figures in tonnes.
2021 ISU pollution prevention survey results continued Percentages of pollutants
Quantity of pollutants (tonnes)
Contracts used - actuals
Trends (tonnes)
Smit international operations In January, Smit Salvage was called upon to assist a 20,568 TEU container vessel which ran aground off the German isle of Wangerooge during its approach to the port of Bremerhaven. On the same evening a salvage team was mobilised to the casualty to coordinate the refloating attempt and at the same time the tug SOVEREIGN - which was involved just days earlier in the salvage of the JULIETTA D (See story Page 7) - was mobilised to Germany to assist. In a consortium with local partners Fairplay/Multraship and Boluda all the required meaures were put in place to prepare the vessel for a refloat attempt. A crisis centre was set up at the office of the German Authorities with representatives of the owners and salvors attending to streamline all
communications and to coordinate the response. With a combination of larger ocean-going tugs, local harbour tugs, 8 in total, and adjustments to the ballast condition of the container vessel, the casualty was refloated allowing her to continue her voyage to Bremerhaven with minimal delay. In February, Smit responded to two significant fire cases in Europe region which were both contracted on LOF terms. In Asia, Smit Singapore provided several towage assistances to Shipowners on commercial terms. Meanwhile in the Americas, Smit’s Houston office responded to a grounded yacht in the Gulf of California. A team was mobilised to the site and, with the assistance of a local tug, the yacht was refloated safely without causing any pollution to the environment. 2
Cruise ship grounding Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the grounding of the Norwegian Escape when outbound from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The vessel was successfully refloated and returned to the dock and a damage assessment indicated that repairs were necessary. The rest of the cruise was abandoned and the following one cancelled. None of the crew or passengers were injured. Passengers were transferred to the US by charter flights. It highlights a matter of concern expressed by ISU that the great number of people - staff and passengers - on modern cruise ships presents a potentially great difficulty in a casualty situation particularly if the incident were to occur in a remote location.
Members', Associates’ and Affiliates' News Atlantic Towage and Marine Ireland-based Atlantic Towage & Marine Ltd has placed an order with Damen Shipyards for a Multi Cat 2309 for delivery in the spring of 2023. The firm says it will play an important role in its expansion beyond Ireland and the UK and into mainland Europe.
member, Donjon Marine, Co., Inc.. He was initially a diver and salvage technician and has also served as salvage master, and project manager. Over his 40-plus years with Donjon, Mr Witte has participated in, and ultimately directed, Donjon’s work in virtually all of its marine and related activities including Donjon Shipbuilding & Repair, LLC, the largest shipyard of its kind on the Great Lakes. The Maritime Association of the Port of New York and New Jersey (MAPONY/NJ) has been the sponsor of the Maritime Hall of Fame since its inception.
Atlantic Towage was founded in 2008 by managing director Sean Harrington. He has assembled a fleet of nine boats that includes tugs, dive support vessels and multi-purpose workboats. The company offers a wide range of services including salvage, ship handling/berthing, towage and surveys. Atlantic said the new Multi Cat will “spearhead its push into the European market, with a special focus on the fastgrowing offshore renewables sector.” There have been a number of customisations specified including a larger forward deck crane and a DP1 system.
Mr Witte is among six inductees all of whom have “shown unwavering leadership and dedication to advancing the industry through innovation, determination and volunteerism.” MAPONY/NJ Executive Director Stephen Lyman, said: ““The international maritime industry is rich in extraordinary leaders who play pivotal roles in moving world trade and who provide support services for these engines of commerce. "The six people we honour this year have represented a broad spectrum of leadership within the global transportation industry and have earned the respect of their colleagues worldwide, deserving of this honour.”
“This is our first newbuild,” says Sean Harrington. “We already have a Damen vessel in our fleet which has performed well. We look forward to taking delivery next year and putting our new Multi Cat to work.”
Tsavliris The Tsavliris Cultural Foundation has invited applications for its scholarship for postgraduate studies at the University of Cyprus for the next academic year. Eligible applicants may apply until 10 April. The aim of the Tsavliris Cultural Foundation is to promote the spiritual and artistic creativity of people who “contribute to the questioning and quest for a better, spiritual and humane society such as artists, intellectuals, thinkers on civilization, society, education and spiritual culture”. For more information: https://tsavlirisfoundation.org/index.php/ scholarship/ Nicolas A Tsavliris, Chairman of the Institue of Chartered Shipbrokers Greek Branch, led a panel of nine speakers at the ICS 16th Annual Forum (picture below) and stressed that “the shipping industry has reciprocated by innovating and adapting to the constantly changing circumstances with Greek shipping always at the forefront, despite any challenges”. Elsewhere, George A Tsavliris spoke in March at the Athens "Slide2Open Shipping Finance 2022" conference. And Andreas Tsavliris gave his annual lecture in March at the City University, London, to the “Shipping, Trade and Finance” master's degree students. Mr Tsavliris took the opportunity to “emphasise the importance and necessity of a global commercial salvage industry.”
Donjon The forthcoming International Maritime Hall of Fame Awards dinner in New York in May, will celebrate the induction of ISU vice President and past President, John Witte into the Maritime Hall of Fame. Mr Witte is President and CEO of ISU Intercargo
resulting GHG emissions.
The recent proposal to update Amendment 9 of the EU emissions trading system (ETS) draft directive and support the ‘polluter pays’ principle has been cautiously welcomed by Intercargo.
Intercargo Chairman, Dimitrios Fafalios, said: “Although we retain our reservations on the EU emissions trading system (ETS) as a whole, we are pleased to see the EU take steps in the right direction, as regulators finally grasp some of the realities of our industry. Trading patterns within the dry bulk sector are diverse and dispersed. A significant share of the bulk carriers’ operation is administered by charterers,
It recognises that often the shipping company is not the commercial entity controlling the ship operation, and therefore is not responsible for the
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which not only take responsibility for purchasing the fuel, but also take operational decisions that directly affect the CO2 emissions of the ship, such as speed of transit. “At the same time, whilst the proposal recognises the need to establish a contractual requirement between the shipowner and commercial operator to pass on the costs, it must be understood that this will be easier said than done.”
ISU Associate Members' Day Conference 2022 ISU held its annual Associate Members’ Day Conference for the first time since 2019 in late March at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall. The event was opened by ISU President, Captain Nick Sloane, who emphasised the importance of good relationships in the industry and the keynote address was given by Richard Turner, President of IUMI, who noted the common interests of insurers and salvors - loss prevention, risk mitigation and pollution control. He also described the increasing importance of Asian markets and the so-called ESG agenda (Environment Social Governance) which has three main impacts for insurers: climate change will increase the number of extreme weather events with consequences for insurers. Asset change - ships and cargo - and the sustainability of insured clients and industries. For example, the question of the tolerance to underwrite the coal sector. ISU legal adviser, Richard Gunn, gave a round-up of the issues facing the industry and noted the conclusion of the work to revise the Code of Practice between the international Group of P&I Clubs (IG) and ISU. He also said he had been impressed by the willingness of the salvors to adopt a cooperative approach to industry issues. David Lawrence and Kevin Clarke of Lloyd’s updated the conference on the work being done to reconsider the Lloyd’s Open Form in the aftermath of Lloyd’s
threat last year to the future of its salvage arbitration branch. Ben Harris, Head of Claims for the London branch of the Shipowner’s P&I Club and chair of the IG’s salvage committee, described the IG research project exploring the issue of delays in agreeing contracts in emergency situations. Commercial Director of ISU member, Five Oceans Salvage, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, gave a detailed case study of the case of the BOW DIAMOND in which a spilled cargo of high explosives had to be dealt with, creating great danger, operational and contractual challenges. ISU past President, MD of Smit Salvage, Richard Janssen, set out the current situation regarding the BIMCO-led work to revise its wreck removal contracts. The process had paused due to differences of opinion about treatment of risk, but he said it was due to re-start imminently. Jac Spijkers of DSM gave a talk about the technical aspects of Dyneema rope and applications in marine industries. ISU past President, CEO of Donjon Marine, John Witte, addressed the difficult issue of responders’ liability. Using anonymised situations, he posed the question of whether salvors could confidently undertake life-saving work when exposed to the risk of legal action. Preservation of life was always the priority, he concluded, and conference delegates agreed.
Elsewhere ISU communications adviser, James Herbert, reported the results of the 2021 pollution prevention survey (see story, Page 1). HFW partner, Andrew Chamberlain, chaired a panel session with Nick Haslam, SCR and Brookes Bell consultant, Steamship Mutual P&I Club’s Ian Freeman and ISU past President and MD of Multraship Towage and Salvage, Leendert Muller. The panel addressed the “role of marine consultants”. The heart of the issue was SCRs also acting as freelance salvage masters. There was general agreement that this was not appropriate and would be tackled in the forthcoming revision to the SCR Guidelines. The conference concluded with an on-stage interview with Jeremy Russell QC, the Lloyd’s Appeal Arbitrator, who shared his experience of 40 years as a barrister specialising in maritime law. In a wide-ranging discussion with ISU’s James Herbert, Mr Russell’s support for the Lloyd’s Open Form was evident. He agreed that the size of awards was a key concern to some parties but explained the reasoning and processes and requirement for arbitrators to be proportionate in balancing the salved values with the assessment criteria. At the end of proceedings, Nick Sloane paid tribute to ISU’s retiring Secretary General, Roger Evans, and presented him with a gift to mark his service to ISU and the industry.
Clockwise from left: Nick Sloane. Panelists: Nick Haslam, Andrew Chamberlain, Ian Freeman, Leendert Muller. Nick Sloane and Roger Evans. James Herbert and Jeremy Russell QC.
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ISU Annual Dinner at Trinity House, London ISU held its annual dinner at Trinity House in London. The event was the first held for three years and was well attended including by guests of honour Richard Turner, President of IUMI and Jeremy Russell QC, Lloyd’s Appeal Arbitrator.
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Pictures: 1. L-R, Charo Coll, Martin Hall, Jeremy Russell QC, Richard Gunn, Simon Tatham. 2. Jason Bennett, Nick Haslam. 3. Alexander Tsavliris, Gordon Lorenson. 4. Frederick J. Kenney, Roger Evans.
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5. Ben Harris, Lars Lange, Nick Shaw. 6. Carlos Bastias, Anna Maria Darmanin. 7. Evening dinner.
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ISU News Roger Evans retirement
New ISU Secretary General
ISU’s Secretary General, Roger Evans, retired at the end of March. Paying tribute to Mr Evans, ISU President, Captain Nick Sloane said:
James Herbert has succeeded Roger Evans as ISU Secretary General. Mr Herbert started his career as a British Army officer before training as journalist at the BBC where he worked for number of years. He moved to the Shell Group and rose to be head of Group media relations in which role he was responsible for media handling for numerous shipping incidents and drills. After a period as a senior civil servant in the UK, James set up his own communications consultancy with a specialty in maritime PR and marine casualty management. He has responded to more than 400 incidents and issues and is a published author on communications in marine casualty. James has been the ISU communications adviser for 14 years supporting the three previous Secretary Generals and he will combine that role with ISU communications.
“Roger is one of the most well-known and popular figures in our industry. A former master mariner, he sailed on a variety of vessels including reefers, bulk carriers, container and general cargo ships before coming ashore in 1985 to join Smit where he served in a number of roles. He was contracts manger in London for Smit International, senior contracts manager for Smit Salvage in the Netherlands and, for a number of years, manager for Smit Salvage in the UK. “Roger has made a great contribution to the salvage industry over many years. His vast knowledge of the industry, commercial acumen and ability to build relationships and bring on new people served Smit very well and it is fitting that he should finish his distinguished career leading the industry association, ISU. “Roger’s time at ISU has been under the shadow of the pandemic but he has “kept the show on the road”, ensuring that normal business has been properly conducted and that issues have been tackled and initiatives undertaken. He has modernised the ISU finances and database of members, worked with numerous stakeholders and overseen the “re-positioning” of the industry as well as working on SCOPIC matters and the ongoing BIMCO wreck removal contracts, always bringing his courteous and friendly manner and wisdom and experience to the issue. Our heartfelt thanks go to Roger for all that he has done, not just for ISU, but in his long career in shipping and salvage."
The AGM is hosted by a consortium of ISU’s Netherlands-based members, Multraship Towage and Salvage, Smit Salvage and Boluda Towage and Salvage. Statistics ISU is collating the results of its general statistics survey for 2021 and the results are expected to be published in the next period. The ISU Executive Committee has decided to review the content of its statistics and the way they are collected. An Executive Committee sub-group will consider the matter this summer and produce a paper to be discussed at the AGM with the intention of launching the new statistics methodology at the beginning of 2023. Ukraine ISU is a non-political organisation but, like many other trade associations in the shipping industry and wider, the Executive Committee has considered the membership of the association of its Russian member, MRS/MORSPAS, in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has suspended that membership. In making the decision, ISU said it had taken account of the relationship of MRS to the Russian state; the widespread international condemnation of Russia’s actions and the imposition of strong sanctions against certain Russian interests by, among others, the EU, the United States, Japan and the UK.
AGM ISU will hold its 2022 AGM at the Marriott Hotel in Rotterdam on 15 September. The AGM will be preceded by an Executive Committee Meeting and opening reception on 14 September and there will be a gala diner in the evening of 15 September followed by a social day on 16 September.
ISU hopes that hostilities will cease as soon as possible, and that peace will return to the region. A moment of silent reflection was observed for those affected by the war at the start of the ISU’s Annual Dinner.
Nautical Institute publishes guidelines for expert witnesses The Nautical Institute has published Guidelines for the Maritime Expert Witness which it says “provides invaluable assistance and advice to those who are new to giving expert evidence and serves as a timely reminder to seasoned hands.” With a Foreword by Sir Julian Flaux PC QC, Chancellor of the High Court, this book continues the themes developed in the NI’s popular Guidelines for Collecting
Maritime Evidence Volumes 1 and 2, by following the dispute resolution process to its conclusion, either in court or in an arbitration or mediation hearing. The book’s contributors – mariner expert witnesses, solicitors, barristers, mediators, arbitrators and a retired judge – emphasise the need for the expert to understand that their primary duty is to the court or resolution panel. They must be able to demonstrate their knowledge, 6
independence, integrity and credibility under cross-examination, the authors stress. “The book provides a great deal of useful practical advice and emphasises some of the most important aspects of expert evidence, at least from a judge’s or arbitrator’s perspective,” said Sir Julian.
Dutch salvors work together to prevent bulker from grounding
Multraship's MULTRATUG18 provides steering to the convoy (left). Bosklis' SOVEREIGN connected to the bow (below).
Multraship Salvage and Smit Salvage, acting as co-contractors, successfully salvaged the adrift and abandoned bulk carrier JULIETTA D in the North Sea off the Dutch coast in January during storm Corrie. The JULIETTA D was anchored off the coast of IJmuiden, but went adrift when the anchor chain broke. The ship subsequently collided with the PECHORA STAR. Due to the collision, the JULIETTA D took on water and the crew were evacuated by helicopters under the command of the Dutch Coastguard. Due to the strong wind, the ship drifted through the wind farm Hollandse Kust towards the beach at Scheveningen and hit a recently installed offshore wind platform. The salvors, working with the Coast Guard, organised a helicopter to land a
salvage team on board. The team was able to connect to the seagoing Boskalis tug SOVEREIGN and prevent the JULIETTA D grounding on the beach at Scheveningen. The casualty was then towed out to the open sea where the seagoing tug MULTRATUG 18 was also secured but due to the extreme wave height, the connection did not hold. MULTATUG 18 continued to standby through the night and the convoy was joined by the ocean tug MANTA, with an extra team of salvors
on board, as a precaution. The following morning, MULTRATUG 18 re-connected to provide steering to the convoy led by SOVEREIGN. Additional salvors were brought on board by helicopter and the vessel entered the Waterweg at Hoek van Holland and later moored at Elbehaven. The operation needed the excellent cooperation of both salvage companies with the Dutch Coastguard, NHV Helicopters, the KNRM and the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
North and Standard Clubs in merger talks North P&I and Standard Club have entered formal discussions for a proposed merger to create a “new global marine insurer” and the combined mutual insurer would provide cover for vessels equivalent to 400M GT. “Standard Club and North now have the opportunity to create one of the world’s leading and most influential P&I clubs, founded on exceptional service and innovation, a broader diversified product range, scale economies and global reach,” said Jeremy Grose, CEO, Standard Club.
“With stronger financial resilience, the newly created club would be wellpositioned to thrive in all conditions”, commented James Tyrrell, Chairman at North. “In a changing and sometimes volatile maritime sector, North’s board has long recognised the potential value arising from considered and balanced consolidation in P&I,” he said. “Choosing the right partner is the first critical step towards success.” The formal announcement follows the AMSOL's tug SIYANDA supporting rig towing approval of the proposal by the boards operations after the connection had been lost. of both clubs and notification to principal 7
regulatory authorities of their intention to merge. A joint North and Standard Club working group has been appointed to evaluate how a combined entity would maximise value for members. The proposed merger remains subject to the approval of the full mutual membership of both clubs and of all the appropriate regulatory authorities. Member voting procedures are anticipated to conclude by the end of May. If approved by the membership, the formal merger of both clubs is expected to complete by 20th February 2023.
Raul Negro – update from operations in Argentina ISU member Raul Negro reports that it has collaborated on a number of projects recently - see picture spread below. CLEOPATRA Barge sank in 2018 in the Rio de la Plata and was declared a danger to navigation by authorities. It was removed as a wreck during September
and October 2021 and transported for final disposal in Uruguay. Elsewhere, the tug RUA II sank in an access channel of La Plata Port after collision with the tanker PUNTA MEDANOS with partial closure of the navigation way. The tug was dealt with in a rapid seven day wreck removal
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operation, including oil spill control, in order minimise disruption to use of the waterway. The M/V ARAMI had been abandoned and sank in San Nicolas Port on the Parana River. It was removed and scrapped and used for extension of the port’s installations.
Donjon 2021 salvage roundup In April 2021 a lift boat capsized several miles south of Port Fourchon, Louisiana. The vessel’s response plan, with Donjon-Smit named as the OPA 90 Salvage and Marine Firefighting provider, was activated. Donjon, and joint venture partner Smit Salvage Americas, responded immediately providing key personnel and a large array of assets to the response. Donjon’s heavy lift vessel, Chesapeake 1000, was mobilized to the wreck for removal of the largest sections. Under the direction of the unified command of the US Coast Guard and the vessel owner, the work is ongoing. On August 29, 2021, the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Ida made landfall near Port Fourchon, Louisiana. It was a deadly and destructive Category 4 hurricane and became the secondmost damaging and intense hurricane to make landfall in the state of Louisiana. Donjon’s heavy lift vessel, Chesapeake 1000, and ocean going tug ATLANTIC ENTERPRISE remained in Port Fourchon during the storm. After the hurricane’s landfall, Donjon was quickly tasked by the US Navy's Supervisor of Diving and Salvage (SUPSALV) to execute several emergency response and recovery efforts. This included assisting the US Army Corps of Engineers in emergency pumping operations because of the storm surge and resultant flood waters. Donjon mobilized and established several dewatering stations throughout the area that were in Ida’s path and many
remained in place to the end of 2021 due to damaged infrastructure.
and the port wingwall was completely submerged within hours.
While dewatering activities were ongoing, Donjon was also tasked with removing vessel casualties and returning waterways to their normal operating condition. These waterways included the Mississippi River, Intercoastal Waterway and Bayou Lafourche. Multiple salvage teams were deployed to remove sunken and grounded vessels and undertake general clearance operations.
Donjon quickly mobilized key assets and personnel to the facility where preparations began immediately. The team made use of the dock’s existing pumps to maintain the starboard wingwall, while quickly fabricating and installing large cofferdams onto the port wingwall for the installation of pumps.
In early December, Donjon was awarded the salvage contract for the salvage of Dry Dock #4, which was located in New York Harbor and had lost power to its pumps in the middle of a docking evolution. The dock immediately started taking on water
Divers undertook a condition survey to establish the salvage methodology and conducted significant patching. Upon completion of patching and pump installation, the dock was refloated and delivered to its owners.
Major ferry and car carrier fires In February, the 6,400-ceu car carrier FELICITY ACE caught fire south of the Azores with some 4,000 vehicles on board. Reuters reported that the cargo included 1,100 luxury Porsches and 189 Bentleys. The ship was abandoned and salvors attempted to fight the fires and take the vessel under tow but she sank. Lithium-ion batteries in the electric cars on board caught fire and the blaze required specialist equipment to extinguish, Captain Joao Mendes Cabecas of the Port of Hortas said. It was unclear what caused the fire.
The Panama-flagged ship was enroute to the US from Germany and a Portuguese Navy warship stood by to monitor the drift of the casualty. Estimates suggested that the cargo value was well in excess of US$100 million.
10 people are thought to have lost their
Commentators have noted the potential risk of the carriage of increased amounts of large batteries as the trade in electric vehicles develops.
NORMAN ATLANTIC in 2014. Smit
At around the same time, the 33,588 gross tonne Ro/Pax EUROFERRY OLYMPIA suffered a fatal fire in the Adriatic on passage from Greece to Italy.
EUROFERRY OLYMPIA.
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lives and 270 were rescued. The fire appears to have started in a truck on one of the vehicle decks. The case had similarities to that of the Salvage was involved in both cases and Tsavliris Salvage said its tug PROTEAS provided firefighting assistance to the
AMSOL update AMSOL reports that it was sub-contracted by Smit Salvage and responded to an emergency on the bulk carrier NS QINGDAO after her chemical cargo spontaneously combusted off Durban, South Africa in October 2021. AMSOL’s UMKHUSELI provided emergency support which included fire fighting standby and static towing as required from commencement of the operation and after the vessel’s move to St Helena Bay (picture far right). The UMKHUSELI was also involved in providing offshore logistical support to the operation - transporting heavy equipment such as excavators and skips. UMKHUSELI was released in January 2022 after NC QINGDAO safely berthed alongside in Saldanha Bay for Smit Salvage to complete cargo discharge and hatch clearing. Working in conjunction with Resolve, AMSOL’s AHTSV NOMASA was released by her present charterers in January to assist the tug POSH OSPREY which had lost the connection to the rig she was towing in extremely heavy weather
IUMI news The 8th session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE 8) took place virtually from 28 February to 4 March 2022 and was chaired by Umut Şentürk from Turkey. Its agenda included both containership fire safety and fires on Ro-Ro ships – more timely than ever in light of the fire incidences of the EUROFERRY OLYMPIA and FELICITY ACE (see story page 9). Mikkel Gardner Andersen from Codan Insurance and a member of IUMI's Loss Prevention Committee outlined the importance of taking a holistic approach on regulatory actions. Any amendments need to cover all angles, including improved fire protection and detection measures which keep pace with the growing size of the vessels as well as risk prevention to avoid mis-declaration of dangerous cargoes. Mr Gardner Andersen further discussed the challenge of the existing fleet of container vessels which will not fall under the scope of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
conditions 150 nautical miles off the Namibian coast. The NOMASA assisted with the reconnection to the tow and the voyage resumed. In early February, AMSOL’s ETV SA AMANDLA assisted a Multipurpose and Heavy Lift Carrier with a rescue tow from 450 nautical miles north west of Cape Town to the Port of Cape Town after the vessel suffered engine failure. And in March, the SA AMANDLA stood by the ore carrier K.IRON MOUNTAIN 30 miles off Cape Town, later escorting her and running spares to the vessel to ensure that she was able to complete repairs and resume her voyage.
AMSOL's tug SIYANDA supporting rig towing operations after the connection had been lost.
(SOLAS) amendments to be considered by the SSE Sub-Committee. During his presentation Mikkel referred to data from Cefor, the Nordic Association of Marine Insurers, which indicate that while the overall claims frequency has declined over the past 15 years, the percentage of fires and explosions has been on the rise. IUMI has been pressing for the inclusion of this issue on the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) agenda. The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) last May approved the “Development of amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2 and the FSS Code concerning detection and control of fires in cargo holds and on the cargo deck of containerships”. These amendments will be applicable to newbuild ships. The SSE Sub-Committee was requested to work on this topic. In the run-up to SSE 8, IUMI has been highly engaged via an IUMI-led expert group consisting of representatives from Flag States, shipowners, class and many other maritime stakeholders. The group worked on a joint paper to be submitted to SSE 8. The document outlines a road map as a basis for the further work and offered an initial assessment of gaps and 10
regulations which are considered neither practicable nor workable for fire detection and fire-fighting capabilities on board containerships. At the same time, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) is undertaking a “Study Investigating Cost Efficient Measures for Reducing the Risk from Cargo Fires on Container Vessels (CARGOSAFE)”. It includes the tasks of hazard identification, risk analysis, risk control options, cost effectiveness assessment, and making recommendations for decision making. The structure of the study is in line with the IMO requirements for a formal safety assessment (FSA). The results of CARGOSAFE and any other FSA based study were agreed by SSE 8 to be included in a review by an FSA Expert Group. The establishment of this group will have to be approved by the MSC. Once all FSA based studies have been assessed by the FSA Expert Group, the SSE Sub-Committee can truly start its work to discuss risk control options for newbuilds. IUMI will continue to engage in these deliberations with the objective to bring about major improvements for containership safety.
Boluda responds to bulker breakdown in Indian Ocean The Boluda Towage France tugs VB VOLCAN and VB BOUGAINVILLE assisted the vessel WUGANG HOAYUN on 11 and 12 March. The 327 m long bulk carrier suffered an engine breakdown 15 NM off Reunion Island. The tugs left their base and reached the ship's position within a few hours. When the bulk carrier was only 8 NM from the coast, the VB VOLCAN stabilised the drift and towed the vessel westwards, 25 NM from the coast, while the VB BOUGAINVILLE kept the bulk carrier in line with the tow (picture right). Also in March, Boluda Towage France tugs VB BAOBAB and VB IMPALA assisted the semi-submersible vessel ZEN HUA 29 in the port of Abidjan where she had arrived with the floating power plant Kardeniz Fatmagul Sultan on its deck. VB BAOBAB hooked up to the stern side of the vessel while the VB IMPALA remained in assistance a few metres off to starboard. Once in the anchorage, the ZEN HUA 29 dropped her anchors and secured herself to the
mooring box, with the VB IMPALA helping to hold her in place until the end of the manoeuvre. The powership unloading manoeuvre lasted five hours. The tugs MV TECK, VB GOLDEN and VB SUPERENZO
were called in, with the VB IMPALA still attached to the stern of the semisubmersible vessel. The final mooring manoeuvre was carried out by two vessels of the Service de Lamanage d'Abidjan, a subsidiary of Boluda Towage France.
Tsavliris - bulker and product tanker cases On 11 January 2022, Tsavliris despatched the ETV ABEILLE BOURBON - BP 207 and BHP 21,700 from Brest, France, to assistance the bulk carrier NAVIOS CENTAURUS, dwt 81,472 tonnes, which had sustained main engine problems west of Quessant Island, France, while enroute from Ijmuiden, Netherlands, to Colombia, in ballast. The casualty was towed to Brest anchorage the same day but, after resuming her voyage, the bulker again experienced main engine problems. On 10 February Tsavliris despatched the tug EL ZORRO GRANDE II - BP 80 and 5,000 BHP from Port of Spain, Trinidad, and she escorted the NAVIOS CENTAURUS to St Maarten Island in the Caribbean Sea to complete the operation. On 12 February 2022, Tsavliris despatched the tug FOTEINI Z - BP 65 and 5,220 BHP - from Piraeus, Greece, to assist the Product Tanker PYXIS EPSILON – dwt 50,124 tonnes (above
right) and which had sustained rudder damage and was anchored at Beirut Anchorage, Lebanon. On 15 February, the tug arrived in Beirut and, following the issuance of the towage certificate by a Marine Warranty Surveyor, towage to Piraeus commenced the next day.
the convoy safely arrived at Piraeus Roads and on 24 February anchored at Elefsis Roads for slops discharging and cargo tanks inerting. After completion of these tasks, the vessel safely berthed at Talos Shipyard and the operation was successfully completed on 25 February.
The convoy anchored at Pigadia, Karpathos Island, Greece, to re-secure AMSOL's tug SIYANDA supporting rig towing the casualty’s rudder blade and the operations after the connection had been lost. voyage was resumed. On 23 February,
Tsavliris' tug PROTEAS also provided fire fighting activity in the case of the burning Ro/Pax EUROFERRY OLYMPIA off Greece (top right).
11
Resolve operational update
In October 2021 Resolve Marine responded under a Lloyd’s Open Form agreement with SCOPIC invoked to a RoRo vessel which developed a list and partially submerged whilst alongside in the port of Algiers (above). Initial inspections indicated the vessel was resting on the bottom with a 25 degree list to starboard. The engine room was flooded with the stern ramp and main deck were open to the sea. The cargo of trailers loaded with glass sheets had broken their lashings and shifted, further complicating the refloat efforts. Resolve mobilized personnel and portable salvage equipment, as well as the Resolve crane barge RMG 280 from its response bases in Gibraltar and the Netherlands. A salvage plan was developed which encompassed removing the top deck to access and remove the cargo of trailers in combination with de-watering and, after approval from the local Authorities, the vessel was refloated, stabilized and safely redelivered to owner’s quayside. In December 2021, Resolve Marine
announced that Phase 3 exploration and site evaluation of the CLOTILDA had commenced. Working jointly with Southeastern Archaeological Research, Inc. (SEARCH), Resolve is the lead contractor for the Alabama Historical Commission, bringing decades of experience working along the Gulf Coast of Alabama to survey, locate, and archaeologically document and assess historic shipwrecks. Working on different aspects of the project since 2018, the assembled team brings extensive knowledge of CLOTILDA, as a vessel, a shipwreck and archaeological site with powerful emotional connections to the community of descendants and others who care about its story. Over the course of several months, Resolve and partners will conduct a structural and engineering assessment; a maritime archaeological and environmental investigation and prepare an in-situ conservation and preservation plan. The RMG-60, a 100 x 40 FT crane barge locally based in Theodore, Alabama has been moored at the site with topside support equipment for dive operations, artifact stabilization 12
and storage, equipment use and staging, analyses and archeological documentation. Aaron Jozsef, project manager at Resolve Marine said: “We are pleased to be part of this historically important preservation project. It is a tremendous duty to ensure the CLOTILDA is evaluated and preserved.” Jozsef continued, “our participation in Phase 3 of the multi-year project will add to the collective understanding of the vessel and the site’s potential to yield significant archaeological information about the ship and its final voyage.” Resolve Marine was called into late-night action in February to respond to a tug and barge that grounded off Hillsboro Beach, Florida. Working closely with the USGC and the Department of Defense, Resolve mobilized personnel and equipment from its response base in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and commenced around-theclock salvage operations including the safe removal of 9,500 gallons of fuel and the deployment of an emergency towing system. The vessels were refloated within 48 hours.
International Monitor USA - EVER FORWARD container ship grounding The laden large containership EVER FORWARD went aground in Chesapeake Bay near Baltimore in mid-March outside the navigation channel. The grounding site does not interfere with navigation. The vessel grounded with considerable force onto a muddy bottom creating significant ground reaction. ISU members working in their US venture, Donjon Smit, made an initial attempt to refloat the vessel at the end of March. It followed a week of dredging operations. The US Coastguard said a further refloating effort was expected as Salvage World went to press, following further dredging operations. The substantial draft of the vessel, the ground conditions and the shallow water make the operation challenging. The state of the casualty’s fuel and ballast tanks and its stability are being continually monitored. The case has echoes of the CSCL INDIAN OCEAN grounded in the Elbe near Hamburg and the CSCL JUPITER, grounded in the river Scheldt in the Netherlands. And, while the situation is different, comparisons have been made with the EVER GIVEN, grounded in the Suez Canal in 2021. Peru spill
Transfer Arrangements”, produced by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) in partnership with the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA), features a new section with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s guidance on combination embarkation platform arrangements.
“I’ve seen navigation equipment that I sailed with on display in Hamburg’s maritime museum. Now you walk onto the bridge and it’s like Star Wars,” says Nick Rich, BSM’s Group Technical Manager – Systems and a member of the expert panel that helped ICS develop the new edition.
Provisions for a ‘trapdoor arrangement’ in combination ladders, the minimum size of the opening and rigging procedures are covered in the new section.
Referenced in several International Maritime Organization (IMO) documents, the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide is widely acknowledged as the principal industry guidance on safe bridge operations.
“The consensus among the maritime stakeholders we spoke to for this updated pilot transfer arrangements guide was that the ladders themselves are fine – the issue is how they are rigged and whether crew have undergone the right training to ensure the safest operating procedures are applied,” said Gregor Stevens, Senior Marine Advisor at ICS. The updated guide comes after Captain Simon Pelletier, Chairman of IMPA, urged the IMO to prohibit a dangerous pilot transfer ladder arrangement linked to a fatality in New York in 2019.
The new edition provides clear guidance on best practice approaches to watchkeeping that make safe and effective use of modern technology and embrace internationally agreed standards and recommendations adopted by the IMO. For further information on the new edition, please visit ICS Publications.
The ICS/IMPA pilot transfer arrangements guidance complies with the IMO convention on minimum safety standards in shipping (SOLAS), making it an essential reference tool for all vessel crews around the globe. For more information, visit the publications page on the ICS website.
Peru suffered its worst oil spill in January. More than 1000 tonnes of crude oil was said to have leaked from the pipeline linking the Repsol-run refinery at La Pampilla to the SBM at which an Italianflagged tanker was discharging. The incident occurred in the aftermath of the volcanic eruption on Tonga which sent a Tsunami across the Pacific. The refinery is to the north of Lima and there was widespread environmental damage to the coastline and wildlife. News reports suggested there had been uncertainty about the true cause and where responsibility lay between the government, refinery and tanker interests. Pilot Transfer A guide to maritime pilot transfer safety has been updated amid industry concerns about poorly rigged ladders causing severe injuries or fatalities. The “Shipping Industry Guidance on Pilot
INTERNATIONAL SALVAGE UNION ICS has also launched a new edition of the Bridge Procedures Guide, reflecting the rapid technological advances taking place in the shipping industry. It provides crews with “the knowledge and confidence they need to deal with the digital transformation taking place within the world fleet.” 13
Salvage World is produced by the International Salvage Union. For general enquiries contact: ISU, PO Box 77019 London, SE33FB Tel: +44 1423 330505 Email: ISU@marine-salvage.com