MARINE SALVAGE SERVICES AND SPILL PREVENTION IN THE 21st CENTURY

Abstract

ABSTRACT The past two decades have seen no major technological breakthrough in the field of oil spill cleanup. It is likely that intervention by salvors will remain the preferred solution (“keeping the oil in the ship”). International Salvage Union member companies provide an effective service; they recovered more than 2 million tons of oils and chemicals from 141 ship casualties during 1995. However, spill prevention is an “invisible success” and, as such, doesn't make news. Meanwhile, the media remain strongly attracted to the few spills that still occur. During the past 20 years, great progress has been made in improving maritime safety and reducing the incidence of significant spills. Occasionally, however, things go badly wrong and a major pollution threat develops, together with the potential for huge claims. The members of the International Salvage Union want to take all possible measures to optimize salvage response in such situations. Salvors frequently work together, pooling resources and expertise to maximize operational success. In addition, arrangements are now in place that encourage salvors to respond to spill threats in highly adverse circumstances. Further improvements will materialize if the many parties involved in major casualty response draw closer together. More cooperation between these interests is vital. The new agreement on Article 14 salvage operations negotiated between the International Salvage Union and the International Group of P&I Clubs is an encouraging step in the right direction.