Scottish Subsea Specialist Sulmara Supports Major Fuel Recovery Operation in Taiwan
Scottish subsea specialist Sulmara has played a crucial role in supporting a major fuel recovery operation from a typhoon-struck cargo ship in shallow waters off Taiwan. At the request of the Taiwanese government, Sulmara mobilized a WAM-V 16 uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) and a team of survey specialists to assist in the emergency fuel recovery operation for the heavy transport vessel, Yu Zhou Qi Hang.
The operation was launched to salvage cargo from the heavy transport vessel which ran aground with almost 300 tons of fuel oil on board during one of the worst typhoons to hit Taiwan in decades. The 143-meter-long vessel, which was also carrying three gantry cranes, lost power off the coast of Taiwan on October 29 as Typhoon Kong-rey struck.
While all 17 crew members on board were safely rescued by a Coast Guard vessel, the Taiwanese marine contractor Dong Fang Offshore was called upon to deploy the Orient Constructor, a vessel capable of lifting salvage equipment and pumps onto the wreck. However, the operation presented high risks due to adverse weather conditions and limited information on potential subsea hazards below the keel.
To mitigate the risks and ensure safe navigation in shallow waters, Dong Fang Offshore worked alongside Sulmara to conduct a complex seabed survey. Sulmara equipped a WAM-V 16 USV with a multibeam echosounder (MBES) to map the seabed and verify existing data, instilling confidence to proceed with the salvage operation.
Survey Operations Supervisor for Sulmara, Denny Wang, highlighted the challenges faced during the operation and the importance of using a USV for its maneuverability in challenging environments. The quick response and efficient operation of the WAM-V 16 enabled Dong Fang Offshore to complete the salvage within a week of arriving on site.
Wang emphasized the flexibility and effectiveness of the USV in different locations and ports, showcasing its rapid deployment capabilities. The successful collaboration between Sulmara and Dong Fang Offshore demonstrates the importance of innovative technology in complex salvage operations.
Overall, Sulmara’s contribution to the fuel recovery operation in Taiwan highlights the critical role of subsea specialists in mitigating risks and ensuring safe and efficient salvage operations in challenging environments.