The typically innovative approach of the salvage industry has been demonstrated with the successful recovery of a capsized trawler off Denmark.
The 35m newbuilding trawler Nesejente was under tow from Gdansk to Hvide Sande when it capsized around five miles from Hanstholm on Denmark’s west coast. Danish salvage company J.A. Rederiet was tasked with the vessel’s recovery with its floating crane Sanne A and salvage vessel Susanne A deployed to the scene.
The initial plan was to salvage the vessel in the area of capsizing, but a change of plan was decided due to adverse weather conditions including a heavy swell at the site. Compressed air was used lift the vessel and put it on its side to reduce its draft, allowing it to be towed to Port of Hirtshals.
Once in the relative shelter of the port, and as the accompanying photos illustrate, the hull was gradually lifted further and righted to an upright attitude by the Sanne A.
While large global contractors usually and understandably grab the headlines with major salvage operations, Stenderup-based J.A. Rederiet are typical of the smaller commercial operators offering salvage and towage services on a local basis often able to provide rapid response with that important ingredient ‘local knowledge’.
Offering a wide range of services covering the salvage spectrum its fleet includes the similar DP1 diving and salvage vessels Mira A and Susanne A along with the 983t lifting capacity barge Barge A and of course, the self-propelled, fully revolving, spud-leg equipped floating crane Sanne A which as well as a 60t maximum lift main hook has two 125t A-frames.
By Peter Barker
