Marine salvage is the recovery of ships and their cargo following a shipwreck or other nautical disaster. Towing, refloating, or repairing ships are typical examples of marine salvage operations. Also, protecting the marine ecosystem from oil spills and other hazardous materials forms part of marine salvage operations.
There are two main types of marine salvage: voluntary and compulsory. Voluntary salvage is when a salvor (a person or company that specializes in marine salvage) offers to help a ship owner in distress without being asked. On the other hand, compulsory salvage is when a shipping company or owner is ordered by a court to seek the help of a salvor to salvage or rescue a distressed ship. Reasons for the latter might be to prevent or contain environmental pollution, such as from an oil spill.
The process of marine salvage can be complex and time-consuming. First, the salvor assesses the situation and develops a plan of action. The salvor then obtains the necessary permits and approvals to mobilize the requisite equipment and personnel. The final stage is executing the salvage plan to recover the ship and its cargo.
Acknowledging the need for utmost caution when executing the action plan is imperative because marine salvage operations can be challenging and perilous. Salvors must often work in difficult conditions, such as rough seas, strong winds, and cold temperatures. Salvors should also be prepared for the unexpected, such as fires, explosions, and flooding of the vessel being rescued.
Fortunately, technological advances are playing a growing role in today’s marine salvage operations. Marine salvage has become considerably more straightforward to implement because of various developments in the tech space.
For instance, remote-controlled underwater vehicles (ROVs) have proved highly valuable in maritime salvage operations. These vehicles can inspect damaged ships, assess the extent of the damage, and identify potential hazards. They are also helpful in performing tasks that would otherwise be too dangerous or difficult for human divers.
3D modeling is another technology that is being used in marine salvage operations. 3D models of damaged ships can be created using data from ROVs and other sensors. These models can be used to develop more effective action plans and in the training of salvors in complex salvage operations.
3D printing, a quick prototyping technology used to build custom components and equipment, has also proven helpful in marine salvage operations. It can make custom and replacement components, saving time and money during salvage operations.
Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that is being used in a variety of industries, including marine salvage. It makes tracking the movement of goods during a salvage operation easy and precise. This can ensure that the recovered goods are delivered to the correct destination after salvage.
Virtual reality (VR) allows for the creation of realistic simulations of real-world environments. VR can be used to teach and guide salvors working in hazardous or inaccessible situations. This can increase the safety of salvage operations and reduce accidents.
Also, artificial intelligence (AI) has proved essential in automating tasks such as identifying potential hazards and developing action plans. AI helps salvors make accurate information-driven decisions, making the marine salvaging process safer and more effective.
Today, these are only a handful of the technologies currently utilized in marine salvage operations. As technology advances, new and novel technologies will likely emerge to increase maritime salvage safety and efficiency. These developments can assist in saving lives, protecting the environment, and retrieving valuable cargo in marine salvage operations.
