The challenge

The ro-ro and container vessel MV Sirena wrecked on the rocks of Saint Eustatius, in the territorial waters of the Caribbean, mid August, 2016. Large cracks in the hull causing the vessel to sink. Refloat operations took place after removing the marine diesel oil, containers and other cargo. Time was ticking and the vessel deformed and broke during the first subtropical storms. The wreck posed a major threat to the national marine reserve and its protected coral and fish species. Following general P&I and claim procedures, the Government of the Netherlands decided to scrap and remove the wreck.

Our contribution

The Caribbean are famous for there extreme climate and powerful hurricanes. The wreck removal was hampered by strong currents, waves and rocks. High safety standards, tight organization and permanent supervision on site were key to complete the project. Walhout Civil BV was contracted as a representative and supervisor in name of the Dutch government Rijkswaterstaat, on the island of Saint Eustatius and Curaçao. Our consultant has established successful collaboration between the contractor, Caribbean authorities, stakeholders and environmental organizations. Salvage company KOOLE Mammoet Salvage BV successfully scrapped the wreck. A summary of our activities:

  • Wreck and port inspections
  • Representive of the Client and supervision
  • Planning, Wreck Removal and Towing Plans
  • Monitoring of wreck removal and diving operations
  • Coordination with Governments of Statia, authorities and stakeholders
  • Management measurs for asbestos, debris, environment, coral and fish species
  • Maritime transport operations in Statia, Curaçao en Saint Martin
  • Hurricane Readiness Tests & Emergency Response
  • Consultancy Client