12-02-16

The ultra large container ship ‘CSCL Indian Ocean’ was successfully refloated by KOTUG Offshore and Smit Salvage in the early morning of February 9, 2016 during the spring tide. CSCL Indian Ocean was refloated with assistance of twelve tugs and was towed to safe depth and berthed at Port of Hamburg.

China Shipping contracted the salvage operation with specialists of KOTUG Offshore and SMIT Salvage, who assisted with towing and realized the refloating operation. The salvage operation of CSCL Indian Ocean was well prepared together with the local authorities.

The preparations before refloating included taking off bunker fuel and ballast water, as well as dredging of the river bottom around the vessel and deepening of the channel alongside the ship.

KOTUG’s CEO Ard-Jan Kooren commented: “Most important is that we could assist our client’s vessel in distress. We are proud that the cooperation between experienced salvage teams and specialized equipment of KOTUG Offshore B.V. and Smit Salvage resulted in a safe and successful refloating operation”.