Trusted Experts
Marine Salvage
- Comprehensive marine salvage solutions
Specialist Marine Response When It Matters Most.
Supporting Ship Owners, Insurers & Port Authorities Across Australia, New Zealand & The South Pacific
We understand the critical challenges of marine emergencies including environmental, technical, and regulatory factors.
United Salvage is a wholly owned, Australian based salvage and emergency response service provider. We specialise in salvage, wreck removal, emergency response, decommissioning, and environmental support services throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
From its headquarters in Port Kembla, New South Wales, United Salvage is well poised to mobilise and respond in Australia and throughout the South Pacific. In addition to our NSW headquarters, we operate equipment bases in Dampier Western Australia, and in Mackay and Cairns in Queensland.
we deliver high quality
marine salvage services
Rapid Response
We maintain a 24/7 readiness to mobilise at a moment’s notice, ensuring emergencies are addressed without delay.
Trusted Expertise
Our team operates with proven salvage mastery and integrity, earning the trust of ship owners, insurers, and authorities on every project.
Comprehensive Solutions
From initial assessment to final debris removal, we handle every aspect of the salvage process, providing a complete, hassle free solution to maritime incidents.
Our Background
conducting regional salvage operations since 1938
Initially founded in 1938 to recover gold bullion from the sunken vessel RMS Niagara off the coast of New Zealand, United Salvage evolved throughout the years following the Second World War to be owned by the Australian companies Howard Smith’s and Adsteam. Throughout its operation, United Salvage undertook large salvage operations including the “Straitsman” sinking in Tasmania, and the “Wahine” ferry disaster off Wellington New Zealand.
In 2000, Howard Smith’s was taken over by Adsteam Marine. Adsteam maintained United Salvage and undertook several large-scale operations including the World Discoverer in The Solomon Islands, Jody F Millenium in New Zealand and the Zhi Qiang in Papua New Guinea.
In 2007, Adsteam was taken over by Svitzer, part of the Danish AP Moller Maersk group, and United Salvage as a business ceased operations. However, the Australian-based management team remained in place under the name Svitzer Salvage, and undertook several large-scale operations including:
- Pasha Bulker – Newcastle 2007
- West Atlas Oil rig decommissioning in the Timor Sea in 2010
- Shen Neng on the Great Barrier Reef 2010
- Rena New Zealand 2011
A merger in 2016 of Svitzer Salvage and Titan Salvage of the United States created Ardent. In 2020, Ardent was successful in undertaking a recovery of 63 shipping containers on behalf of AMSA, after being lost overboard by YM Efficiency.
In 2020, Ardent was to be closed due to private equity interest withdrawing from ownership. The Australian Ardent management team proposed a management buyout. This was successful and the company returned to its original name United Salvage. The now fully Australian company is owned by Drew Shannon, who has been part of the company since the early 2000s.
Combined, the United Salvage management team members hold more than 80 years of experience, with some members having been with the company since the mid 1980s.
Drew Shannon
Managing Director & Salvage Master
A Leadership Team with 24 years of Salvage Experience
The United Salvage team is led by current owner Drew Shannon, an industry veteran with 32 years of experience in salvage operations. Drew brings extensive experience of the Australian maritime industry as an expert salvage master. He provides expertise in a wide range of maritime engineering and salvage work including risk mitigation, emergency response, wreck removal, offshore decommissioning, marine consultancies, and towage.
Past Projects
selected operations
Ex-HMAS Otama Submarine Stabilisation (2020/21)
Emergency Stabilisation & Salvage Support
Manu Folau Inter-Island Ferry Support (2021–2022)
Consultancy & Preparatory Support
Wreck Removal York Cove & Campbell Cove (2022)
Salvage & Wreck Removal
Emergency Towage – Bulk Carrier Portland Bay (2022)
Emergency Marine Response & Salvage
Fire-Damaged Vessel Support – Höegh Trooper (2023)
Salvage Support & Towage
we make it happen
coordinating the salvage process &
ensuring a successful outcome
Initial Assessment & Planning
We respond immediately and assess the situation. Our experts gather all pertinent information, evaluate the risks, and develop a tailored salvage plan in coordination with authorities and stakeholders
Deployment & Operations
We quickly mobilise specialised equipment and veteran salvage crews to the incident site. The operation is executed with strict safety controls and technical precision whether it involves stabilising a vessel, lightering cargo, or containing pollution.
Recovery & Follow Up
After resolving the immediate crisis, we complete all required recovery actions – from removing wreckage to conducting environmental clean up. We then provide detailed reports and support post incident reviews to ensure all obligations are met and lessons are captured for future improvement.
awards & accreditations
United Salvage’s memberships and accolades underscore our standing in the maritime industry. We are a full member of the International Salvage Union (ISU), reflecting our top-tier competence and commitment to industry best practices. We are also an active member of Shipping Australia, working closely with ship owners and operators on industry improvements. Our team’s performance has earned national recognition, for example, we won the 2022 Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry Award for excellence in wreck removal. In addition, we maintain ISO-certified quality and environmental management systems (ISO 9001 and ISO 14001), ensuring that every operation meets the highest standards.
