INTERNATIONAL SALVAGE UNION
July 2021
ISU member tackles another devastating containership fire Containership fires have become an increasing concern for shipowners, insurers and salvors and the recent high profile case off Sri Lanka has again highlighted the issue and brought it to much wider public attention as the incident was widely reported by international media. The container vessel X-PRESS PEARL was at anchor off Colombo when smoke was seen coming from one of the forward cargo holds. This situation developed into an open fire which initially the local authorities tried to control and extinguish. Subsequently, ISU member Smit Salvage was contracted by the shipowner to provide immediate assistance and additional firefighting capacity was quickly engaged and a salvage team and equipment were mobilised. Smit described the situation on site as “very dynamic and unpredictable” which was also demonstrated by an unforeseen and heavy explosion of cargo in the aft part of the vessel, which led to the immediate evacuation of the crew and salvage team at night and under difficult conditions. Two crew members were injured during the evacuation and all crew and the salvage team underwent medical assessments and received treatment where needed. With continued unfavorable weather and sea conditions, the firefighting efforts were hampered and the fire spread, engulfing the entire vessel in flames. After more than a week of firefighting, the fire was under control and the salvage team re-boarded the casualty to assess the situation. Unfortunately,
her condition was very poor and she sank soon after. Efforts to minimise pollution emanating from the vessel are continuing amid concern about the possibility of pollution. The incident also again raised the question of places of refuge for it was reported that permission had previously been denied to the vessel to unload at middle eastern ports containers that were leaking chemicals. In the same period, Smit also assisted the container vessel INTERASIA CATALYST which reported containers on fire whilst at the anchorage of Port Klang, Malaysia.
A team and crane barge were mobilised and the fire-affected containers were offloaded onto barges and brought ashore for processing and disposal. This enabled the hatches to be lifted off to further inspect the cargo holds. Subsequently, the unaffected offloaded containers were lifted back onboard so that the vessel could resume her voyage.
ISU 2020 salvage industry statistics show weaker revenues ISU has published its statistics for 2020: • Gross revenue for ISU members - US$ 301 million (2019, US$ 482 million) • 182 services provided (2019, 216 services) • Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF) - 40 cases
(2019, 35). LOF revenue up at US$ 60 million (2019, US$ 49 million) • Wreck removal income significantly down – US$ 98 million from 52 services (2019, US$ 284 million from 101 services) Photo: Action Press / Shutterstock
ISU President, Richard Janssen, said: “The 2020 ISU statistics show a 38 per 1
cent fall in the income received by our members compared with the previous year. It is the dramatic fall in wreck removal income that stands out - a 65 per cent drop. In recent years, wreck removal income has represented roughly 50 per cent of our members’ income but in 2020 it accounted for just under 33 per cent. Continues page 2
2020 ISU statistics continued “The economic pressures on our industry continue and we know that on an annual basis activity and income for our industry is variable. The general trend towards a smaller number of larger and more complex cases enhances that annual variability. “There has also been some structural change in the industry in the last 18 months with the loss of a major player. That may have had an impact on these statistics but it is not possible to say for certain or to what extent. “What we can say with confidence is that ISU members have continued to provide vital services to shipowners and insurers. And, taken alongside the ISU’s pollution prevention statistics, these numbers still demonstrate an active industry which year-in, year-out provides in the region of 200 services to vessels in trouble. “Professional salvors protect the environment, reduce risk and mitigate loss. They also keep trade moving demonstrated so clearly in front of the world’s media with the refloating of the containership EVER GIVEN in the Suez
Canal this year. But there also has to be a concern about the ongoing provision of salvage services globally and the long term viability of the industry as it is today. ISU continues to actively engage with shipowners and insurers to ensure we are aligned with them on the future challenges they are likely to face.” The 2019 ISU statistics show that there were 40 Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF) cases for ISU members generating income of US$ 60 million. It compares with 35 cases worth US$ 49 million in 2019. Average income from each LOF case in 2020 was US$ 1.5 million representing 9 per cent of the average LOF salved value of the ship and its cargo. Revenue from LOF cases amounted to 33 per cent of all “dry” salvage (emergency response) revenue and LOF cases accounted for 22 per cent of all “dry” salvage cases in 2020. SCOPIC revenue at US$ 24 million was up from US$ 17 million in 2019. Revenue in 2020 from operations conducted under contracts other than LOF
was US$ 119 million, down from US$ 131 million in 2019. The average revenue from each non-LOF contract was therefore US$ 838,000. Wreck removal has become an increasingly important source of income for members of the ISU but 2020 appears to reverse that trend with US$ 98 million received from 52 services. By contrast, in 2019, 101 operations were reported with a gross income of US$ 284 million. The ISU statistics are collected from all ISU members by a professional third party, which aggregates and analyses them. The statistics do not include the revenues of non-ISU members but are the only formal measure of the state of the marine salvage industry. The statistics are for income received in the relevant year but that can include revenue relating to services provided in previous years and there can be an element of “time lag”. The statistics are for gross revenues from which all of the salvors’ costs must be met.
Gross revenues all sources
LOF and SCOPIC revenue
"Dry" salvage revenue sources
Wreck removal services and revenue
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The future of Lloyd's Open Form The Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF) salvage contract has been much in the shipping news in the past month. In a move that surprised the industry and market, Lloyd’s announced in April a review to consider whether the services of the Lloyd’s
Salvage Arbitration Branch should be stopped. Lloyd’s did not say what that might mean specifically for LOF but without the Lloyd’s Salvage Arbitration Branch, and the association with Lloyd’s, the ISU believes that LOF will be gravely damaged.
The following is an edited version of the letter sent in response by ISU to Lloyd's. At time of publication of this Salvage World the outcome of the review was not kown.
Our members have a proud record of using LOF to save lives, protect the environment and save property. It is the ISU’s position that to discontinue the support and endorsement of Lloyd’s for Lloyd’s Open Form would have a serious impact on safety at sea and a potentially significant impact on the environment as well as the possibility of catastrophic losses to communities reliant on the sea for their livelihoods. There would be increased danger to seafarers and an inevitable increase in loss of property such as hull, cargo and in businesses affected ashore. The Lloyd’s Open Form has had a truly global, recognisable identity in the maritime sector for more than 100 years and is the “contract of choice” for emergency response where those at sea face imminent peril. It was designed by the Lloyd’s insurance market specifically for the benefit of the market and its success is based on world-wide understanding and acceptance of it as the “go to” contract. The marine business of Lloyd’s may have diminished over the years but, at the same time, values of ship, cargo and bunkers - and importantly the complexity of many cases - has increased significantly. Indeed, over the past 10 years, the average total salved values of ISU members’ LOF cases is more than US$1 billion each year. And of course there can also be much greater financial exposure beyond the immediate casualty, as the world saw clearly in the recent case of the containership Ever Given, grounded in the Suez Canal and refloated by an ISU member, which disrupted trade globally. The ISU has been tireless in its support for Lloyd’s and the use of Lloyd’s Open Form and actively promotes its use. We urge you to continue to provide the services of the Lloyd’s Salvage Arbitration Branch and support for the Lloyd’s Open Form because the entirety of the global shipping emergency response industry is based upon, and relies upon, LOF. Shipowners, insurers and salvage contractors all agree that the availability of LOF is essential to sustain the provision of the salvage services that prevent and mitigate potentially huge losses and protect the environment. The consequential losses of a major shipping casualty extend far beyond the marine sector. It affects those industries and property ashore that benefit from the coast such as tourism and fisheries and many others in the global supply chain. Lloyd’s has interests in many sectors beyond marine but without the security and ease of use of Lloyd’s Open Form it is likely that disasters such as the Wakashio will increase and the great benefits of the associated SCOPIC regime will be lost with a return to the use of the Salvage Convention’s Article 14, turning the clock back more than 20 years. In the absence of LOF there will be a direct impact on insurers and their clients; financial exposure to losses will increase and shipowners and property underwriters will be wide open to common law salvage claims. We recognise that Lloyd’s must be mindful of costs and that the use of LOF has declined, and we also know that history alone is not a good enough reason to persist with an activity. However, the implications for the shipping industry, coastal states, local and international business and loss prevention go far beyond the place of the LSAB within Lloyd’s. The association with Lloyd’s - a world scale insurance market and a brand trusted implicitly by all connected with shipping - assures the fairness and integrity of the Lloyd’s Open Form contract and cannot be replaced. We also believe there are potentially very serious reputational consequences for Lloyd’s which risks being perceived to be abandoning its interest in preventing marine casualty. ISU Executive Committee
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Members’ News Ocean Infinity
Tsavliris
Boluda
Ocean Infinity has announced the acquisition of software engineering specialists, Abyssal, which develops and implements proprietary software solutions for the offshore industry “geared towards improving the safety and efficiency of subsea operations.”
Tsavliris Salvage has produced its new corporate brochure which is published every four years and reviews the highlights of the Group’s activities including the most important salvage operations performed.
Boluda Deutschland has been awarded the Federal Republic of Germany government public contract for rescue services in the Baltic Sea. The contract, which came into effect on 5 March, is for a period of two years, renewable for up to three years.
Abyssal’s technology ranges from a managed cloud data platform, synthetic environments, advanced 3D visualisation and operation management system tools.
The company is a subsidiary of Boluda Towage Europe which will use the tug BREMEN FIGHTER, (below) the most powerful tug in the Boluda Towage fleet (104 tonne bollard pull) to meet the requirement. The vessel will be based at Sassnitz on the island of Rügen.
Oliver Plunkett, Ocean Infinity’s CEO, said: “Abyssal has built a great business with a talented team, focused on designing incredibly creative tools to improve the safety and data quality of its customers operations. "Bringing this team of highly skilled solution developers into Ocean Infinity strengthens our in-house capability to provide the highest quality data, securely and quickly.” Ocean Infinity, has also acquired maritime services company, Ambrey, whose team of maritime professionals deliver a range of offshore services including: security, crisis and risk management, intelligence, insurance, fleet operation and vessel design and build. Ocean Infinity said its data and software capabilities will “revolutionise Ambrey’s intelligence and insurance services, whilst its robotic surface and sub-surface vessels have huge potential for Ambrey’s shipping and offshore client base.” Ocean Infinity has offices in Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and the full time headcount of the enlarged group is approximately 500.
Tsavliris has combined its commercial record with aspects of historical significance noting the anniversaries of the ancient naval Battle of Salamis and the land Battle of Thermopylae and the 200 years since the Greek Revolution of 1821, a pivotal chapter in Greek history and a part of world history. Separately, the Tsavliris Cultural Foundation has delivered a fundraising concert to support crews and raise awareness of the major impact Covid 19 has had on seafarers globally. The concert featured the prize winning British-Cypriot soprano, Katerina Mina, performing her solo operatic programme.
From the second half of 2021, the ETV will display the official coast guard colours, with a commitment to protecting maritime safety in the eastern Baltic Sea, under the command of German authorities. Boluda Corporación Marítima CEO Vicente Boluda Fos welcomed the fact that “for the first time, the Boluda flag will be a permanent presence in the Baltic Sea." Separately, Boluda Towage S.L. has appointed Mark van Dongen as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) for its Towage Division. In this role, Mark will report to Boluda Towage’s HQ in Spain. Mr van Dongen has over 25 years of experience in the maritime sector with 13 years in the towage industry.
The Foundation promotes the “spiritual and artistic creativity of people who contribute to the questioning and quest for a better, humane society such as artists, intellectuals, “thinkers” on civilisation, society, education and culture”. It also provides scholarships to excelling students who otherwise would not be able to further their studies due to financial constraints.
Naval incidents An Indonesian Navy submarine, NANGGALA, sank during torpedo exercise in the Bali Strait with the loss of all 53 people on board. Sonar and magnetometer searches of the area of the debris field identified the remains of the sub on the seabed in several pieces. The Singaporean submarine rescue vessel MV SWIFT RESCUE assisted with the search, using its ROV to visually confirm the identity of the wreck on the bottom.
The cause of the incident is not yet known, but Indonesian officials have ruled out an explosion. The sub was a 1981-delivered German-built dieselelectric attack sub and had undergone an overhaul and modernisation 2012. Elsewhere, a vessel reported to be the largest in the Iranian Navy caught fire and sank in the Gulf of Oman near Iran’s southern port of Jask. The supply ship KHARK was reportedly on a training 4
exercise in international waters not far from the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Navy said that 400 personnel were evacuated by ship and helicopter, with only 20 sailors suffering minor injuries. The circumstances of the incident are unclear, but an Iranian news agency said that it began as an engine room fire. KHARG was built in the UK in the 1970s with the design based on a fleet oiler modified to also operate as a supply ship.
ISU News
AGM The ISU Executive Committee has considered a range of options for holding its 2021 AGM and took into account ISU members preferences. It has been decided that ongoing uncertainty regarding the Covid pandemic and likely travel restrictions means that it is not wise to proceed with a physical AGM in Rotterdam as planned in September. The ISU AGM 2021 will therefore be held virtually on 30 November 2021. BIMCO Wreck Removal ISU has been working with a range of industry partners and independent legal advisers, under the management of BIMCO, on revisions to its suite of well-
regarded, standard wreck and marine services contracts. ISU President, Richard Janssen, chairs the revision committee supported by vice-President, Nicholas Sloane, secretary general, Roger Evans, and legal adviser, Richard Gunn. The work continues. ISU Annual Review ISU has published its Annual Review for 2020. It is introduced by the ISU President, Richard Janssen, and includes reports from the secretary general and advisers, financial information, the ISU industry statistics and other current industry issues. Salvage and Wreck Conference 2021
it is now accepting speaking applications for this year's event taking place 1 - 2 December in London. ISU is supporting the conference. The organisers say the two-day event will “bring together experts from across the maritime industry who will focus on delivering key insights on salvage, wreck removal, safety management, and environmental challenges.” Those wishing to speak at the conference, or suggest topics should contact Informa and the deadline for paper proposals is 16 July 2021. For further information click here
Informa, the organiser of the Salvage and Wreck Conference, has announced that
ITS Salvage Webinars The new owner of the International Tug and Salvage Conference, Riviera Media, has delivered its first ITS Salvage Webinar Week. A string of online events considered salvage issues following the case of the EVER GIVEN; contractual matters and the current situation regarding Places of Refuge. ISU members and ISU Executive Committee members and the secretary general participated in panel sessions. Considering the EVER GIVEN in his role as managing director of Smit Salvage, ISU President, Richard Janssen, said that a “holistic approach” with salvors involved in the full “risk mitigation chain” was important and that everyone was “very relieved” not to have had to remove some of the containership cargo. Consultant John Noble said he thought there was “a long way to go” in canalbased incident response and George Tsavliris, principle of Tsavliris Salvage, said salvors had to “be brave, think and improvise.” Discussing contractual matters and Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF), Steve Roberts of the London Club and the International Group’s salvage sub-committee said, “Salvors need sufficient revenue to invest in resources," and added, “Even simple cases have hidden risks.” In the same session, Resolve Marine’s Daniel Dettor noted the widespread support for LOF and reminded participants
Screenshot of Places of Refuge webinar participants. Top row L-R Frans van Zoelen, Chair Legal Committee, IAPH; Stephan Hennig, UK SoSRep; Leendert Muller, past-President ISU; Bottom row L-R Edwin Lampert, Riviera Media (Moderator): Peregrine Storrs-Fox, Risk Management Director, TT Club.
that alternatives such as “LOF-lite” had been considered but that, in the end, the market “came back to LOF.” The webinar tackling the issue of Places of Refuge was opened by UK SoSRep, Stephan Hennig. ISU past-President, managing director of Multraship, Leendert Muller, who has led for ISU on places of refuge said: “In the modern context, environmental protection is probably the most important consideration and no casualty improves with age. "We know it takes moral courage to accept a damaged, burnt or burning vessel but the risk of a wider disaster cannot be ignored and salvors must be supported and encouraged to do their work knowing that, if needed, a place of refuge will be granted." 5
Salvage World - 50th anniversary This Salvage World is the 50th edition produced together by graphic designer, Edward Newson of Wantedd.co.uk and editor, James Herbert, who said: "I should like to thank Edd for his professionalism and commitment to ISU over many years."
Edd Newson (left) and James Herbert working on Salvage World.
Associates’ and Affiliates' News WAVES Waves Group has announced the appointment of Allan Schultz as its representative to service operations in the Americas. Supported by its team of SCRs, Waves says its new operations in Houston will “further expand our salvage and wreck removal and casualty emergency response capabilities in the Americas.” Allan Schultz is an experienced naval architect, civil structural engineer and marine surveyor who has more than 37 years’ experience in the investigation of maritime casualties involving vessel collisions and salvage and wreck removal operations. He has attended on-site for numerous salvage and wreck removal operations in blue and brown water locations to support salvor’s efforts or to represent P&I Cub’s interests. Hill Dickinson Hill Dickinson has made new appointments in Greece. Kostas Karachalios has joined the Piraeus office as a Senior Associate (from Stephenson Harwood, Piraeus), bringing with him 15 years of ship finance experience advising both banks and borrowers on a wide variety of shipping and ship finance transactions. Vanessa Tzoannos joined the Piraeus office (from Ince, Piraeus) as Of Counsel. Vanessa is the first Greek and European woman to qualify in the Marshall Islands (qualifying in 2019) and her expertise on matters relating to Marshall Islands law is widely recognised in Greece. Hill Dickinson also announced the promotion to partner of Hong Kongbased Edward Liu and Liverpool (UK)based Colin Lavelle. IUMI IUMI has announced the dates for it's online conference, "2021 Seoul", 2 - 15 September.
have finalised their integration process ahead of the original schedule, and now operate as AqualisBraemar LOC group. It creates a global, independent offshore energy and marine consultancy with more than 800 technical staff and specialist consultants in 303 locations worldwide, including 60 offices across 38 countries. David Wells, CEO of AqualisBraemar LOC said: “For our clients in the energy and marine sectors – including renewables and oil and gas – this successful integration means one plus one equals three. We are now able to offer clients a much wider and more efficient service through a broader competence base and increased capacity worldwide.” The companies have identified an estimated USD 3.5 million in annual cost synergies. The group has restated its ambition that 50 per cent of its revenues should come from the renewables sector and other sustainability and CO2-reducing activities in 2025. The integration of LOC and other renewables-focussed units means the combined group will double its capacity within renewables.
It also includes the firm’s newest innovation, the Sea Trophy, an effective and compact submersible oil recovery pump, which Van Heck says “provides salvors and the shipping industry with an astute and versatile tool to recover fuel oil in all unforeseen situations – ‘green and easy oil recovery’.” Tatham & Co Tatham & Co has announced the addition of another Senior Associate to its team. Rachel Davies joins the shipping team of the London office of Tatham & Co after thirteen years in Hong Kong working for another leading maritime law firm and one of the International Group P & I Clubs. She is qualified in both England and Wales and Hong Kong and has extensive experience in LMAA and Hong Kong Arbitrations dealing with all manner of dry and wet cases with particular expertise in charterparty, contract of affreightment and bills of lading cases. She has also worked on a number of high profile casualties.
The group says its strategy is to “grow through continued expansion in the rapidly growing offshore renewables industry, and leverage on its leading position within shipping and oil and gas markets, to support the global energy transition.” Van Heck Van Heck has been promoting its ability to “move water any way you want it.” The pumping and water control specialists operate internationally in the field of water control and displacement. It has a diverse range of pump units which work in applications including dredging, salvage, offshore operations, sewer renovation, cool water applications and compiling emergency plans for flooding.
The event is the first of its kind to be hosted by the General Insurance Association of Korea since the inception of IUMI in 1874. The organising committee said: "It will be a meaningful event for the marine insurance industry of Korea as well as IUMI."
Simon Tatham, the Senior Partner, commented that her arrival adds to the “depth and resilience” of the team saying that “it is a tribute to the ethos we have and the quality of work that we are doing that we are attracting talented people to the team to help service our growing pool of clients.” Tatham & Co provides advice across its key areas of expertise which cover all aspects of wet and dry shipping, aviation and insolvency. A number of its cases have received widespread media coverage reflecting, the firm said, the “high profile work being done.” Such cases include Sovereign Immunity and treasure salvage; LPG engine failure and salvage. Other cases have featured in the law reports with two due to be heard by the Court of Appeal at the end of the year: Ferand Business Corp and Others v Maritime Enterprises Management; Premier Cruise Line v DLA Piper Rus; The Polar and the Tilawa.
Aqualis Braemar Following the completion of AqualisBraemar’s acquisition of LOC Group in December 2020, the two groups 6
Resolve Marine operations Resolve Marine was contracted to remove oil from the SCHIEDYK using its patented ROV-operated “hot tap” machine. The SCHIEDYK is a 147 metre cargo ship which struck a submerged ledge near Bligh Island, Canada, in 1968, sinking to a depth of approximately 122 metres. The vessel sank carrying heavy fuel oil that had been identified as the source of several visible oil sheens in the Zuciarte Channel. The project was safely completed on schedule and without any pollution. In December 2020, Resolve was mobilized to assist with the support boom of a bauxite unloader which had collapsed onto a bulk carrier in Port of Vila do Conde, Brazil (picture right). Resolve described it as “an extremely unstable situation” because there was a 360 tonne counterweight suspended precariously 30 metres above the quay. Resolve was contracted to stabilize the unloader and disassemble the counterweight, bucket elevator and damaged arm. Custom lifting arrangements were designed, engineered and manufactured for the counterweight and bucket elevator. Two Spliethoff/BigLift vessels were mobilised to provide the lifting capacity required to provide temporary stability and to disassemble the unloader. After stabilising the bucket elevator in the
hold of the bulk carrier, the two heavy lift vessels were used in tandem, providing the necessary support while shore cranes lifted the individual concrete slabs. After partial dismantling and installation of support measures, the unloader was redelivered to its owners in a stable condition. Resolve has also responded to several cases under its OPA-90 SMFF contracts. In February, an unmanned fish processing vessel undergoing repairs at a Tacoma, Washington, shipyard caught fire after work hours. The vessel burned for several hours before a passerby noticed the fire and alerted the local fire department. The Tacoma Fire Department was first on the scene with both land and water response assets. Resolve Marine, the named responder, was notified the following day when the vessel response plan was activated. Resolve Marine’s Seattle marine firefighting equipment package was
mobilized along with a local 12 strong fire team. The fire was extinguished after two days using water and an environmentally inert chemical fire suppressant. After the fire was extinguished and the vessel stabilized, Resolve removed all hazardous material and fuel onboard without any release into the water. In total, the response lasted seven days before personnel and equipment were demobilised. In May, a crude oil tanker experienced propulsion failure and was not under command in the US Gulf of Mexico. The owners activated their Vessel Response Plan in accordance with the OPA-90 SMFF regulations and Resolve Marine was contracted to provide emergency towing assistance. Resolve deployed a 135 tonne bollard pull tug to secure and tow the 311,393 dwt tanker to a safe anchorage.
Boluda update In June, Boluda’s 2008-built Frenchflagged tug VB CARTIER - 29 metres and 4,950 hp - was chartered by Smit Salvage to assist the cargo ship MESSILA which had suffered main engine breakdown in the Indian Ocean between Mauritius and the French Mascarenhas Islands archipelago. The vessel had been adrift with all crew on board some 120 nm from the coast and was towed to the East Harbour of Réunion Island. Also in June, Boluda towage used four of its tugs - VB KRACHT, RT ROB, SD REBEL and VB HUDSON – to tow the Saipem semi-submersible vessel
CASTORO SEI from the Waalhaven to the Maasvlakte in Rotterdam. The 31,500 grt platform is 152 metres long and 70.5 metres wide and equipped with two slewing cranes that can lift loads of up to 134 tonnes. Boluda noted that the VB KRACHT is one of its hybrid tugs and said 7
Picture courtesy of ShipShot.
it is “part of our most tangible commitment to emission reduction, operating in a very efficient and environmentally friendly way, saving fuel and optimising working conditions for the crew."
Les Abeilles wins 10 year French Government emergency contract Les Abeilles, owned by the Econocom Group since September 2020, has been selected by la Marine nationale (the French Navy) to continue France’s efforts at sea for coastal protection and the saving of life. It comes after a tender process that lasted more than three years and Les Abeilles said it “confirms the excellence of its human, technical and financial know-how acquired over the past 40 years.” The call for tenders was for the provision of consultancy and services in the field of intervention, assistance and sea rescue with the chartering of two dedicated RIAS (Remorqueur d’Intervention, d’assistance et de sauvetage) tugs, for a period of 10 years and a budget of Euros 120 million. To meet the requirement, Les Abeilles will equip, from the first half of 2022, two RIAS ships with four complete, trained and experienced crews ready to embark. Under the impetus of the Econocom group, which says it is particularly committed to environmental issues and the digital and maritime sphere, Les Abeilles has chosen to transform two ships (above right). These will combine considerable power with strong environmental credentials: - Bollard pull, 280 tonnes, (almost twice the current RIAS). - Energy consumption will be optimised due to their hybrid mechanical-electric
propulsion. Their DNV Clean Design certification goes far beyond the applicable international standards for waste treatment.
presence of quality offers. The final award confirms our historical expertise in the world of towing and rescue on the high seas.
The vessels will be extensively refitted to meet the high standards of la Marine nationale and the quality criteria of Les Abeilles for their mission and they will replace the two historic tugs Abeille Flandre and Abeille Languedoc.
"I would like to thank la Marine nationale for its renewed confidence and the teams that contributed to this success. I would also like to thank Mr Jean-Louis Bouchard, Chairman of the Econocom Group and Ms Samira Draoua, Chairman of Les Abeilles. Their expertise and support were invaluable in winning this contract.”
Pascal Potrel, Managing Director of Les Abeilles – Groupe Econocom, said: “ We are very proud to have won this contract after a difficult competition and in the
Veteran salvor publishes memoir Alan Loynd, salvage master and managing director of Branscombe Marine Consultants Ltd, who is well known to many in ISU, has published a memoir. “All at Sea” describes Alan’s career as a ship captain and salvage master from when he joined his first vessel to his present status as a marine consultant in Hong Kong. Large parts relate to his time in Hong Kong Salvage & Towage and various salvage jobs including the recovery of a Boeing 747 from Hong Kong harbour. It also covers other aspects of Alan’s career, including more than two
years running the maritime school in Tuvalu. The book is available digitally and on Amazon or from the Chinese University Press in Hong Kong as well as from some bookshops in the UK. Barnaby Swire, Chairman the Swire Group, said: “Alan has done readers a service by putting on record so many of his experiences in such a charming and accessible manner. It is both an honour and a pleasure to commend this volume to almost any curious and enthusiastic reader.” 8
Tsavliris in action in Greece and South East Asia In March, the bulkers AFINA I - 12,824 dwt and laden with hot briquetted iron and KIVELI - 38,191 dwt and laden with rock phosphate - collided in a T-shape, 10 miles NW of Kythira island, Greece (right).
Vatika Bay. Services included divers cutting away protruding bottom plates, an STS operation offloading cargo and subsequent towage to Piraeus. The operation was successfully completed at the end of April.
Tsavliris were contracted by the owners of the KIVELI to provide salvage assistance and unlock the two casualties and mustered a fleet of tugs and deployed all necessary anti-pollution facilities, divers and salvage personnel to undertake the task.
Also in March, the VLCC NAVE BUENA SUERTE - 297,491 dwt but in ballast - experienced main engine problems off the south east coast of Myanmar. Tsavliris despatched the AHTS MAERSK LOGGER (BHP 23,500 and 252 BP) from Sri Lanka to assist the casualty.
The vessels were first shifted by tugs in locked condition to Vatika Bay, off Elafonisos island, Peloponnese, in order to be separated safely which was achieved without any environmental pollution. Over the following six weeks a major salvage operation ensued with spells of bad weather, involving the moving and re-anchoring of the vessels in
Fukada operations In April, Fukada reports that it received a casualty notification from its partner in Europe that the 13,000 TEU container vessel MSC ARIANE had main engine failure 190 miles south of the main island of Japan. With bad weather expected, Fukada dispatched the AHT SHIN CHOU MARU, which was on standby at Yokosuka, to the casualty’s location’s some 311 miles away. Prior to the tow line connection, the master of the casualty requested that SHIN CHOU MARU divert to the nearby escort vessel to collect spare-parts and deliver them to the casualty. The connection was then made in a 2-metre swell and towage began to the nearest place of refuge.
When the tug arrived, the casualty was drifting about 29 miles WSW of Munaung Island. A tow connection was established and towage to Singapore commenced. Due to heavy traffic at Singapore/Malacca Strait, Tsavliris arranged for two straits pilots and another two tugs, AHT LANPAN 26 and the escort tug PSA VALKYRIE, to assist the convoy.
There are normally strict Japan Coast Guard safety regulations in order to tow a huge ship into the Seto-Inland Sea and it can be a lengthy procedure. However, Fukada said it completed these requirements smoothly and in good time “because the Japan Coast Guard recognised its past achievements and contributions to maritime safety.” Separately, in May, Fukada provided services to the PSS KEDAM, a 40 metre patrol vessel donated in 2017 by a Japanese Foundation to the republic of Palau where she has been engaged in a “crack down” on illegal fishing.
However, the initial destination was not suitable for temporary repair of the main engine and the convoy altered course for a better location in the Seto-Inland Sea. It was decided to quickly arrange three harbour tugs to deliver the casualty to the entrance of the inland sea and she was safely towed to Wakayama port by the harbour tugs. 9
In a delicate operation, the casualty was towed across the Singapore traffic separation scheme, and the MAERSK LOGGER disconnected and delivered the casualty to five powerful harbour tugs which towed and escorted her to the designated anchorage area. LANPAN 26 and PSA VALKYRIE were released and the MAERSK LOGGER proceeded to the anchorage and provided standby services until the four week operation was successfully completed.
It had been decided to bring KEDAM back to a Japanese shipyard for large-scale repairs including to her main engines. The range of the cutter meant she would need to re-fuel en-route. But the Covid pandemic made it difficult to find a port for refuelling and, as a solution, Fukada dispatched its salvage tug SHIN RYU MARU from Okinawa to meet KEDAM in the North Pacific Ocean and tow her to Kagoshima, Japan. Fukada again emphasised the importance of sustaining good relationships saying: “This is proof that we are maintaining good relations with the Japanese Government through our regular activities.”
Smit news round up Smit reports a srtong start in Q2 with the refloating of the EVER GIVEN in the Suez Canal and the challenging drifting EEMSLIFT HENDRIKA off the Norwegian coast (right). The general cargo vessel was drifting in heavy weather, abandoned by her crew only a few miles off the rocky shore. Smit mobilised two tugs and a salvage team to board the casualty along with pumping equipment to prevent a possible grounding. In close coordination and cooperation with the Norwegian Coastal Authorities (NCA), salvors were lowered from a Coastguard helicopter as darkness descended. They managed to swiftly establish two pre-prepared towing connections and prevented the vessel from going onto the rocks. The casualty was brought to a safe haven where her list was corrected and further escalation of trouble for the owners, underwriters and the coastal communities was averted. Smit says that “less visible services” were provided to its preparedness clients who needed assistance in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans where, amongst others, the AHTS MANTA - 206 TBP - and BOKA PEGASUS - 260 TBP - and tugs from Foss were deployed on operations. In Asia, Smit assisted the container vessel INTERASIA CATALYST which reported containers on fire whilst at the anchorage of Port Klang, Malaysia (see also front page).
Picture courtesy: Stig Jacobsen/Kystverket
relocate the vessel to a safe anchorage for the planned repairs. With unfavorable weather approaching, a firm deadline was imposed by authorities prior to undertaking the services. A salvage team and powerful tugs were deployed and the vessel was pulled away from the position and successfully towed by the AHTS BOKA ALPINE - 204 TBP - to a safe anchorage for repairs. After almost 10 months of services, Smit has redelivered the VLCC NEW DIAMOND (below) to her owners in the UAE. The damaged tanker was brought to Kalba anchorage in November 2020 where Smit successfully discharged approximately 100,000 tonnes of crude
A team and crane barge were mobilised and the fire-affected containers were offloaded onto barges and brought ashore for processing and disposal. This enabled the hatches to be lifted off to further inspect the cargo holds. Subsequently, the unaffected offloaded containers were lifted back onboard so that the vessel could resume her voyage. In May, the east-coast of India was badly affected by the typhoon Tauktae, which resulted in a number of ships and other vessels in distress. At the time of the typhoon’s passing, the bulk carrier DENALI was anchored while awaiting repairs. The force of the typhoon meant the bulker was dragged towards shallow waters, which placed the vessel in an exposed and delicate position. Smit was contracted to 10
oil into two sister vessels. Afterwards, the vessel was freed of gas and tank washing services were provided to prepare the vessel prior to redelivery. Such services are common practice on a fully operational tanker, but in this case, with a damaged pumproom, engine room and affected hull integrity, these services required an extensive team of specialists and the cooperation of port authorities to ensure safe operations. Elsewhere, in the USA, Smit says its joint venture for OPA90 services - Donjon Smit - is experiencing a busy first six months of the year with assistance to a capsized jack up barge and an emergency ship-toship transfer operation involving liquefied
International Monitor UK
ICS Security
Nigeria
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has begun a consultation on proposals that would put updates made to SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974) into UK law, regrding the safety of bulk carriers.
The International Chamber of Shipping says the shipping industry continues to face threats such as piracy, kidnapping and terrorism. It reminds ship operators they need to “stay alert to security risks” and recognise that threats are continually evolving and demand constant vigilance.
The Round Table of Shipowner Associations and OCIMF have expressed their full support for the launch of Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project which is a significant investment in military and law enforcement infrastructure to secure its maritime domain as part of action to address the ongoing piracy issue in the Gulf of Guinea. Managed by the Nigerian Maritime Safety Agency (NIMASA), the multi-agency project will significantly increase maritime security in the region, which is subject to incidents of piracy, armed robbery and other maritime crimes.
Updates include tighter rules on damage stability and structural requirements. A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said:
ICS has therefore launched the first edition of Maritime Security: A Comprehensive Guide for Shipowners, Seafarers and Administrations.
“By updating the legislation relating to the safety requirements for bulk carriers we are improving the safety not only of those operating under the UK flag but also for any that are operating in UK waters.
A central command and control centre based in Lagos will oversee a network of integrated assets including two special mission vessels, two special mission long- range aircraft, 17 fast-response vessels capable of speeds of 50 knots, three helicopters and four airborne drones, providing 24/7 cover for the region.
“This is an international standard to which bulk carriers should be operating in any event, but this simplified and updated UK legislation will make it absolutely clear what is expected. UK requirements will now clearly demonstrate the standards required both by us, and internationally.” It is hoped to bring the rules into UK law later this year (2021) and for them to come into force early next year. Seafarers’ vaccination Intercargo has said that seafarers are the victims of “lack of focus and joined up thinking” from governments and the maritime industry, which it says "has become apparent during the current on-going crew-change crisis”. The “vaccination lottery” that is faced by the industry is “beginning to hit the dry bulk sector hardest”, said Intercargo, the ISU affialiate member which represents the world’s quality dry bulk shipowners. Some port states suggest that all crew on board a vessel must be vaccinated as a pre-condition of entering their ports, and even insisting on a particular brand of vaccine. “This is a serious problem for the industry as a whole, when we consider the high proportion of seafarers that come from developing countries with no access to any vaccine at all,” says Dimitris Fafalios, Chairman of Intercargo. He added: “The dry bulk sector is bearing the brunt of this uncertainty due to the nature of its business. Bulk carriers on tramp trading call at many more ports than other shipping sectors and are at the mercy of the nationalised vaccination policy, applying at the port of call."
The publication draws on over twenty years’ experience of the growing security threats faced by shipping. It sets out the security threats faced by the shipping industry today, the statutory requirements that ships, shipping companies and port facilities must meet and provides guidance on how to conduct a thorough threat assessment for a voyage. A model ship security plan is also provided along with guidance on how to complete it in accordance with statutory requirements. Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, Guy Platten said: “Maritime security is a continual concern for the shipping industry, and security threats present real challenges to the entire global supply chain. “In the years since SOLAS and the ISPS Code set out the dedicated statutory framework for the issue, we have witnessed the emergence of a security culture in the industry with a growing awareness of security threats and an understanding of the importance of following best practices to mitigate risks to seafarers and the global trade they sustain. This new guide provides invaluable information to help keep ahead of the situation.” For further details and to order your copy please visit Witherbys. 11
It is the hope of the industry organisations that Deep Blue, coordinated with other navies and programmes through the mechanism of the GOG - Maritime Collaboration Forum/SHADE, will seriously impact on the ability of pirate groups to prey on merchant shipping. Katharina Stanzel, Managing Director of Intertanko, said: “We believe that the launch of the Deep Blue Project is a tangible demonstration that the tide has turned against the scourge of piracy. This project has the potential to greatly contribute to seafarers being once again able to carry out their duties without fear for their safety. We thank the Nigerian authorities for recognising the issue and putting these measures in place."
INTERNATIONAL SALVAGE UNION 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