The trend is underlined by SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage's announcement in May of its decision to join the '1Call' salvage and spill response network in the United States.

SvitzerWijsmuller's partners are National Response Corporation (an Oil Spill Removal Organisation, or OSRO) and Resolve Marine Group, active salvors in the US and Caribbean region. The 1Call alliance provides salvage (firefighting, emergency towing and lightering) and spill removal services in a one-stop compliance package for OPA 90 and California state requirements.

SvitzerWijsmuller's Daan Koornneef said, 'Our motivation is to ensure our clients have access to the most efficient response to a casualty and/or spill event in US waters. We also bring a global dimension to 1Call, as there is growing interest in fully integrated salvage and spill response in many areas of the world. This is not just an American phenomenon.'

In February of this year the USCG issued Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular NVIC 01-05, setting out interim guidance on the development of spill response plans for non-tank vessels under OPA 90.

New regulations in this area have yet to be drafted, but are expected to follow the existing requirements for tankers, which require owners and operators to pre-contract with salvors and spill response organisations.

1Call partners have extensive salvage and spill response resources. Resolve operates tugs and heavy lift barges and has bases on the US east and west coasts. NRC operates a fleet of spill response vessels and maintains stockpiles of pollution recovery equipment worldwide.

It also has access to tugs and offshore supply vessels through its association with SEACOR.

SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage is a major global salvor with access to over 250 group owned tugs and other vessels world wide.

MJ Information No: 20816