JUNE 2011
INTERNATIONAL SALVAGE UNION
Response to Japanese disaster
A number of casualties were driven far inland - some were several kilometres up river and the quantity of rubble precluded using land transportation. It was uneconomical and left owners no choice but to cut up these casualties in-situ. Aside from those unsalvageable casualties, mostly because it was not economical to do so, Nippon Salvage salvaged many vessels that were within the reach and capabilities of sheerlegs and crane barges. Some were a total loss but others were able to go back into service. Nippon also used 300 tonne pullers to pull a bulker which had been under construction from the land to the sea. Operations to remove oil from casualties were also extensive (see left). The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster added to salvors’ burdens. Foreign ship operators and crews were not convinced by the Government’s exclusion zones and demanded stricter standards. Nippon Salvage struggled to find tonnage in the market as owners and operators wanted to impose a ‘radioactive-contamination exclusion clause’ even if the location was far from Fukushima.
Special report by Kenichi Morita, Nippon Salvage, Tokyo The world was moved by the devastation caused by the earthquake and Tsunami in northeast Japan. Substantial media coverage meant that the impact of the ‘quake was visible to all within hours. The earthquake, tsunami and their aftermath posed great challenges to Japanese salvors and other contractors as they got to grips with the clear-up. Amid the havoc, Nippon Salvage salvaged a number of casualties ranging from a nine tonne fishing vessel to a Cape-size bulker which was stranded in the port of Kashima – which involved discharging its 31,500 tonnes cargo of iron ore. Initial responses were hindered by the huge quantity of debris that had been washed into the sea, fouling the
propulsion systems and steering gear of salvage vessels. And the impact of the 'quake meant that chart datums were no longer reliable for navigation - Nippon therefore had to carry out bathymetric surveys and extensive dredging prior to salvage work. A significant issue was the question of liability to pay the costs of clearing debris and flotsam. Who was responsible: the Government, P and I Clubs or property underwriters? At the same time, shortterm, short-supply of tugs and sheerlegs caused “panic buying” and it became difficult to source the right equipment at the right time. Salvors found the numerous after-shocks an impediment to their work. There was concern that they could trigger a further tsumami. All personnel and craft made it a rule to run away or head toward the sea if they experienced an unusual tremor. Even the bravest salvage man cannot beat the power of the nature. 1
Nippon Salvage worked closely with the Japanese Coast Guard, even by salvaging one of its own coast guard ships. ISU executive committee member, Mr Yoshiaki Nishibe, braved the Fukushima exclusion zone to take part in a Coast Guard-led inspection tour to give them advice on the casualties within that area. Mr Nishibe is convinced that the salvage industry can play a crucial role when society faces a crisis. He, and his colleagues, have been dedicated to working to help the country recover from the disaster.