Sulmara Aids Typhoon-Struck Cargo Ship Salvage Operation Off Taiwan

Scottish subsea specialist Sulmara recently assisted in a major fuel recovery operation for the typhoon-struck cargo ship, Yu Zhou Qi Hang, off the coast of Taiwan. The vessel, carrying almost 300 tons of fuel oil, ran aground during a severe typhoon, prompting a salvage operation to recover the cargo. Sulmara mobilized a WAM-V 16 uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) equipped with a multibeam echosounder to conduct a complex seabed survey to mitigate risks and ensure safe navigation in shallow waters.

The operation presented high risks due to adverse weather conditions and limited information on potential subsea hazards below the keel of the grounded vessel. To address these challenges, Sulmara collaborated with Dong Fang Offshore to gather accurate seabed data using the USV. The data collected helped verify existing information and instilled confidence in proceeding with the salvage operation. Despite the challenging environment, the USV’s shallow draft and maneuverability allowed for successful data collection within just two days.

The rapid response and efficient data collection enabled Dong Fang Offshore to complete the salvage operations within a week of arriving on site. The flexibility and performance of the USV in different locations and challenging conditions were highlighted by Denny Wang, Sulmara’s Survey Operations Supervisor. The successful collaboration between Sulmara and Dong Fang Offshore showcased the effectiveness of utilizing advanced technology and expertise in maritime salvage operations.

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