Mammoet receives major salvage order for ship graveyard in Mauretania

Mammoet Salvage, part of Mammoet, the worldwide leader in heavy lifting and transport, recently received the official order for the salvage of 70 shipwrecks in Nouadhibou Bay, Mauretania. The European Union has made 28,8 million euros available for removing the wrecks. The salvage operation will start in April 2011 and will run for 22 months.

Environmental protection and expertise Mammoet Salvage and 11 other international salvage companies bid on this project in Africa. The project was awarded to Mammoet on the basis of the solution offered and the company’s expertise in salvage and environmental protection. Mammoet Salvage will commit 25 salvage personnel and a range of equipment to this job.

Graveyard for ships Nouadhibou Bay (average water depth 10 meters) is a busy area used by industrial shipping and fishing vessels. The shipwrecks, ranging from 200 to 1,200 tons, form obstacles and hazards to shipping. Due to the wrecks, shipping has dropped off greatly in recent years, with an adverse economic and social impact. Furthermore, the shipwrecks pose a hazard to the environment and their surroundings (physical and chemical contamination). The wrecks contain oil residues, insulation, asbestos, etc.

Future Removing the wrecks will protect the bay against pollution by chemicals in them. This will return the area to its original state and allow nature to develop fully. The accessibility of the port will also be greatly improved.

Extensive experience Mammoet Salvage is part of Mammoet Holding B.V. the worldwide specialist in heavy lifting and transport, who successfully recovered the Kursk, the Russian nuclear submarine, in 2001. Since then, Mammoet Salvage has undertaken a number of challenging projects throughout the world. The company has distinguished itself by developing innovative solutions for a wide range of salvage projects. These always aim to improve safety, protect the environment and reduce costs.