Magnetic Plasters - A new approach to the fundamental principle of salvage to keep the water out and to keep the oil in the damaged vessel

摘要

The maintenance of more buoyancy than weight is fundamental to the integrity of any floating structure. If buoyancy is jeopardised by any breach of the water-tightness of the hull or structure resulting in internal flooding then there is risk of the vessel sinking. In similar circumstances, if the vessel is carrying oil or other pollutant there is risk of spillage with resultant risk of pollution of the environment. Experience shows that in such circumstances the speed of reaction and the effectiveness of the initial response measures invariably decides the final outcome of the operation. This paper looks back at the history of shipping repair and salvage, identifies the balance of advantage and limitation of current techniques and seeks a new approach to the fundamental principle to keep water out and to keep oil in a damaged vessel.