Mammoet launches offshore salvage arm

Netherlands: International heavy lifting and transport specialist, Mammoet, has set up an offshore salvage operation.

The Dutch company, in conjunction with experts from the international salvage industry, formed Mammoet Salvage b.v. on January 1. In addition to Mammoet people, Mammoet Salvage includes: Chris van der Zwan (former director of Wijsmuller Salvage), Fokko Ringersma (formerly with Shell Tankers and senior salvage inspector at Wijsmuller Salvage and Smit Salvage), and Arjan Herrebout (salvage inspector at Wijsmuller Salvage and head of the maritime claims department at Raets P&I). Van der Zwan, as chairman of the supervisory board, will be an advisor. Remaining members of the supervisory board are Roderik van Seumeren and Siem Kranenburg.

In 2001 Mammoet completed a complicated operation to salvage the Russian nuclear submarine, Kursk, and it aims to build on this experience to become one of the world's top three salvage companies within three years. To achieve this Mammoet Salvage has a team of 10 salvage experts (to be expanded to 25), and regional offices are being set up around the world.

Full use will be made of Mammoet's international network and of its equipment stored at its many operations around the world, the company said. An important element, according to the company, is the introduction of an innovative, high-quality engineering approach to the salvage industry.