June 2014
INTERNATIONAL SALVAGE UNION
Nippon Salvage concludes Maritime Maisie operations as ISU calls for better provision of Places of Refuge In April 2014, the ship-to-ship transfer of all the chemical cargoes from the Maritime Maisie was successfully completed bringing to an end the protracted case conducted by Nippon Salvage. The case has become notorious as a demonstration of the need for improvements in the matter of Places of Refuge for casualty vessels. It had taken 102 days since the LOF was signed on 30th December 2013 before the Maritime Maisie was taken to Ulsan. The salvors had connected to the vessel on 31st December 2013. At that time the vessel had been evacuated by her crew and was unmanned. On 16th January 2014 the fire was extinguished but volatile acrylonitrile remained in a damaged cargo tank which gave coastal states a reason not to provide a Place of Refuge. The vessel was also damaged amidships due to the collision and explosion and was at risk of breaking in two if she were exposed to harsher sea and weather conditions. Towing continued while trying to avoid rough seas in order to protect the vessel. Nippon Salvage said it was “a voyage without destination that was felt to be lasting forever [while seeking] shelter.” More than 30 craft were involved in the operation and the salvors used 10
experts and lawyers in trying to find a Place of Refuge. Separate salvage plans, each running to more than 200 pages, were prepared for each of the seven port authorities where refuge was sought. Nippon Salvage said: “There were enormous efforts exerted by all the people involved in the salvage operation. And we wonder how such a tremendous amount of work is necessary in a situation where dangers are imminent. Some rationalization [on the issue of Places of Refuge] among coastal countries needs to be done.” Nevertheless, Nippon Salvage also thanked the Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Ulsan Port Authority, Hong Kong Marine Department and the owners and managers of the vessel for their cooperation and patience during
the effort to secure a Place of Refuge which was eventually provided at Ulsan Port which had been the most recent port of departure of the vessel before the accident. The ISU is campaigning on the issue of Places of Refuge and cites the case of the Maritime Maisie along with those of the Stolt Valor and MSC Flaminia as strong examples of why coastal states need to accept their responsibilities, as set out in under various international conventions and guidelines, to provide a Place of Refuge to a casualty vessel when necessary.
Nipon Salvage flagship, Koyo Maru with Maritime Maisie.
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