INTERNATIONAL SALVAGE UNION
December 2019
ISU survey results confirm strategic direction Professional market research shows that the International Salvage Union’s strategy is on track and stakeholders are positive about the organisation.
trustworthy and providing value for money.
The headline results of the survey, conducted in the early part of 2019, show that the “overall satisfaction” with ISU was 7.44 out of a maximum score of 10.
The survey was commissioned following work last year to “re-position” the industry - to no longer dwell on the past of “tugs on station” and the “pursuit of LOF above other considerations” and to face the realities of the current business environment.
The survey was international and had more than 100 respondents from among shipowners, P&I Clubs, ISU members and associates. Some property insurers participated but not as many as hoped for and ISU described that as a “missed opportunity.”
ISU is committed to promote the value of its members who enable world trade by providing services which save life, protect the environment, mitigate risk and reduce loss. ISU wants to position its members as part of the owners and underwriter’s “risk mitigation chain”.
The responses showed that ISU is considered credible and trustworthy; is thought to participate in appropriate forums and that it promotes the industry, has an international outlook and provides networking opportunities.
Commenting on the survey, ISU President, Richard Janssen said: “Our interpretation of the results suggests that we need to increase our interaction with owners and insurers about their present and upcoming challenges and how salvors can support them in that. We also must continue our drive to ensure high ethical and operational standards. But then again, it takes two to tango.”
For the overall perception of the professional salvage industry - as opposed to ISU - the highest scores were for the industry being competent, reliable and safe. There were some lower scores, though still not poor, for professional salvors being
Mr Janssen noted that good progress has been made the last six years which is reflected in the negotiated agreements
and improved working relationships with IUMI, IG and Lloyds. Part of the re-positioning of the industry is to recognise that many ISU members have chosen to diversify and offer other services in addition to their salvage work. But Mr Janssen said ISU will keep making the case for the “high standards and technical excellence of the professional salvor – the members of ISU.” He added: “I want to celebrate the investment that the professional salvors continue to make in updating and renewing stockpiles of equipment with a focus on future needs and especially the investment in our people: divers, naval architects, engineers, tug masters and salvage masters who are our lifeblood. "We train them and nurture them - and we pay them, even when work is short. All of this represents a huge and credible investment and a continued commitment to provide services professionally when and where they are needed. “Helping others to recognise and appreciate the importance of a properly funded salvage sector is the job of the ISU and our focus for the next year.”
Multraship, Smit and Atlantic Towing combine to lift fishing vessel ISU members Multraship Salvage, Smit Salvage and Atlantic Towing & Marine joined forces to lift the sunken fishing vessel DILLON OWEN at Ardglass, Northern Ireland. The vessel had grounded in late October after losing power while on its way into the port. The Coastguard and local lifeboat services had attempted to refloat vessel but bad weather hampered their efforts and the crew were all lifted off and the fishing boat suffered a list and was partially submerged.
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