In a remarkable display of ingenuity and rapid response, Scottish subsea specialist Sulmara has stepped up to assist in a critical fuel recovery operation off the coast of Taiwan. This operation was necessitated by the aftermath of Typhoon Kong-rey, which wreaked havoc on the heavy transport vessel Yu Zhou Qi Hang, leaving it stranded with nearly 300 tons of fuel oil onboard. The stakes were high, as the typhoon was one of the worst to hit the region in decades, and the urgency for a solution was palpable.
Upon receiving the call from the Taiwanese government, Sulmara wasted no time mobilizing a WAM-V 16 uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) along with a team of survey specialists. The operation aimed not only to salvage the cargo but also to prevent a potential environmental disaster. The 143-meter-long vessel had lost power during the storm, and while all 17 crew members were safely rescued by the Coast Guard, the challenge of recovering the vessel’s cargo remained daunting.
The Taiwanese marine contractor, Dong Fang Offshore, was tasked with deploying the Orient Constructor, a vessel equipped to lift salvage equipment and pumps. However, the operation was fraught with challenges. Maneuvering the Orient Constructor close to the grounded vessel in shallow waters, especially under adverse weather conditions, posed significant risks. Compounding the situation was the uncertainty surrounding potential subsea hazards lurking beneath the keel.
To navigate these treacherous waters, Sulmara collaborated closely with Dong Fang Offshore to conduct a meticulous seabed survey. The WAM-V 16 USV was outfitted with a multibeam echosounder (MBES) to map the seabed effectively. This data was crucial for cross-checking existing seabed information and ensuring safe navigation. Denny Wang, Survey Operations Supervisor for Sulmara, articulated the gravity of the situation: “It was a huge challenge. There was a risk that objects from the vessel could drop into the sea as well as other debris and hazards.”
The choice of a USV was strategic. Its shallow draft allowed for better maneuverability in the challenging environment. However, the weather conditions necessitated a departure from standard operational protocols. “We couldn’t operate the USV in the typical way by releasing her and letting her sail alone. We had to ensure we could launch and deploy the vessel safely,” Wang explained. Historical data from previous work in the area provided a foundation for safe operation, allowing the team to devise an alternative methodology that included a towing line for added safety.
Remarkably, within just two days, the WAM-V 16 completed its mission and was demobilized. This swift response enabled Dong Fang Offshore to wrap up salvage operations within a week of arriving on-site, a feat that seemed improbable at the outset. Wang reflected on the team’s adaptability: “We reacted and found a way to operate in a short period of time. It also shows the flexibility of the USV and how she can perform in different ports in different locations.”
The implications of this operation extend beyond immediate salvage efforts. It underscores the critical role that technology, particularly autonomous vehicles, plays in maritime operations, especially in high-stakes scenarios. As the industry grapples with climate change and extreme weather events, the ability to deploy sophisticated, flexible solutions like the WAM-V 16 will likely shape future developments in maritime safety and environmental protection. This incident serves as a reminder that in the face of adversity, innovation and collaboration can pave the way for effective solutions, setting a precedent for future operations in increasingly unpredictable maritime environments.