Capability

United Salvage tugs have dual inner harbour and ocean going rescue/tow capability. As a result, from their strategically located home ports, they can cover vast distances.

The network of strategic ports is:

• Australia - Bowen, Gladstone, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Westernport, Adelaide, Whyalla and Fremantle.
  
• Papua New Guinea - Port Moresby
  
• New Zealand - Whangarei
  
• United Kingdom - Humber, Felixstowe, Medway, London, Southampton and Liverpool.

All-weather

In Australia and the Pacific, all the primary salvage tugs are of a raised forecastle design with substantial increased displacement compared to harbour tugs - ensuring their suitability to deep sea operations in all weather conditions. More than A$2.5 million worth of special features is built into each tug by United Salvage to specifically allow these vessels to engage in ocean salvage.

In the UK, nominated tugs are equipped for sea towage, salvage and fire fighting.

Equipment

The equipment profile of United Salvage's maritime emergency response fleet includes:

• Wheelhouse-based, remote-controlled towing pins and winches linked to a 700 metre steel tow wire

• Spare 700 metre tow wire

• High capacity water/foam fire monitors with a self protection spray system which enables the tug to also work at close quarters

• Long life foam making compounds

• Long range fuel and water tanks which mean the tugs can spend up to four weeks at sea

• Three tonne hydraulic deck crane

• Comprehensive navigation equipment
  
• Forward winch/windlass
  
• Full salvage gear, such as synthetic rope stretchers, pennant wires, shackles and carpenter stoppers
  
• Portable satellite communications for remote area use

The afterdecks of United Salvage's primary tugs are configured to stow additional salvage equipment including portable alternators, salvage pumps, diving equipment, slings, a rubber boat and welding and cutting equipment.

United Salvage has formed strong alliances with specialist gear suppliers around the world and has a number of support vessels - work platform barges, bulk liquids storage units - on permanent standby arrangements to assist in emergencies as required.

This capability is further supported by permanent onshore facilities in Brisbane (Australia), Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), Suva (Fiji) and Hull (United Kingdom). These maintain the full readiness of smaller plant able to be transported quickly and easily by light aircraft or helicopter, along with senior salvage experts, to emergencies in more remote areas of the region.

The company's damage control teams can help ship owners/operators avoid expensive and time-consuming "port of refuge" repair operations by enabling the shipping casualty to reach its destination with minimal delay.

The tugs have large accommodation areas which provide accommodation for a crew of 14. Galley and cold storage areas are commensurately sized and air conditioning is designed to handle tropical conditions comfortably.

Personnel

Salvage personnel, who comprise the salvage team/s, are drawn mainly from within Adsteam Marine. They are supplemented, when necessary, by specialists with whom United Salvage has pre-existing agreements. The multi-disciplined team, typically comprises a salvage master, salvage engineers, salvage officers, naval architect, divers, salvage hands and any specialists required.

The teams are highly trained and experienced in marine emergency response, specific salvage techniques and environmental protection. They are on call 24 hours a day under the supervision of salvage masters, acknowledged as among the most experienced in the world.

Basic diving teams plus equipment are maintained at both Cairns and Fremantle, Australia and in Felixstowe, United Kingdom, and are available for salvage operations.

United Salvage also provides financial and administrative support necessary for the safe, timely and cost effective completion of any salvage operation.

Industry credentials

United Salvage is a prominent member of the International Salvage Union.