Emergency Marine Response
United Salvage provides specialist salvage and wreck removal services for damaged, stranded or sunken vessels in port, coastal and offshore environments. Our team delivers technically driven solutions for complex marine casualties, working safely and efficiently to protect people, infrastructure and the marine environment.
24/7 Marine Emergency Response
United Salvage provides 24/7 marine emergency response services, delivering rapid stabilisation, risk mitigation and technical support for vessel incidents in port, coastal and offshore environments.
From our headquarters in Port Kembla, New South Wales, our experienced team is positioned to mobilise at short notice across Australia and throughout the South Pacific, supported by trusted international partners where required.
Our Capabilities
Emergency Response Capabilities
The United Salvage team is experienced at responding at short notice to assist shipowners and their crews in a wide range of emergency situations, including:
Groundings
Response to vessels that have run aground, focusing on stabilisation, assessment of hull integrity and refloating or recovery while minimising environmental and navigational risk.
Collisions
Support following vessel-to-vessel or vessel-to-structure collisions, including damage assessment, stabilisation and coordination of salvage or towage to prevent further escalation.
Fires
Specialist response to onboard fires, working alongside emergency services to stabilise the vessel, manage residual hazards and prepare the vessel for recovery or removal.
Loss of Propulsion
Emergency assistance for vessels that have lost propulsion, including towage planning and coordination to prevent drift, grounding or collision in adverse conditions.
Structural Damage and Flooding
Response to vessels experiencing structural compromise or flooding, implementing dewatering, temporary repairs and stability control to prevent sinking or capsize.
High-Risk or Deteriorating Vessel Conditions
Management of vessels in deteriorating condition where stability, weather or mechanical issues present an increasing risk, requiring early intervention to stabilise and control the situation.
Facilities, Equipment & Operational Readiness
United Salvage maintains specialist facilities and equipment to support rapid marine emergency response, salvage and environmental protection operations across Australia and the region.
From our headquarters in Port Kembla, New South Wales, United Salvage operates a fully equipped facility supporting 24/7 emergency response coordination, equipment storage and operational readiness. The facility houses oil spill response and containment equipment, marine salvage and stabilisation equipment, and provides a central hub for mobilisation during time-critical incidents.
To support rapid regional response, United Salvage also maintains strategically positioned equipment caches in Mackay, Cairns and Dampier. These locations enable reduced mobilisation times and effective response across Australia’s key maritime regions, supporting operations in port, coastal and offshore environments.
All facilities and equipment are maintained to ensure continuous operational readiness, supporting emergency response, salvage, decommissioning and environmental protection activities.
Technical Expertise
United Salvage’s emergency response services are underpinned by specialist technical capability, including:
- Naval architecture
- Marine engineering and towage
- Marine pollution management
- Hazardous materials management
This integrated expertise allows United Salvage to deliver technically sound decisions under pressure and adapt response strategies as conditions evolve.
Other Capabilities
24/7 Marine Emergency Response
United Salvage provides 24/7 marine emergency response services, delivering rapid stabilisation, risk mitigation and technical support for vessel incidents in port, coastal and offshore environments.
From our headquarters in Port Kembla, New South Wales, our experienced team is positioned to mobilise at short notice across Australia and throughout the South Pacific, supported by trusted international partners where required.
Specialist Marine Salvage & Wreck Removal Services
United Salvage provides specialist salvage and wreck removal services for damaged, stranded or sunken vessels in port, coastal and offshore environments. Our team delivers technically driven solutions for complex marine casualties, working safely and efficiently to protect people, infrastructure and the marine environment.
From our headquarters in Port Kembla, New South Wales, United Salvage is positioned to mobilise rapidly across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, supported by experienced personnel and specialist marine assets.
Emergency and Planned Towage Services
United Salvage provides emergency and planned towage services supporting marine incidents, salvage operations and routine vessel movements in port, coastal and offshore environments. Our towage capability focuses on safe, controlled execution supported by technical planning and experienced personnel.
From immediate emergency response to planned towage operations, United Salvage delivers towage solutions that reduce risk, protect assets and ensure compliance with operational and regulatory requirements.
Marine Decommissioning & Recycling Services
United Salvage provides specialist decommissioning and recycling services for vessels and marine assets that are end-of-life, damaged or no longer fit for service. Our team manages the controlled preparation, removal and disposal of assets in port, coastal and offshore environments, with a strong focus on safety, compliance and environmental responsibility.
United Salvage has experience delivering large-scale decommissioning projects across Australasia, supporting clients through complex, high-risk removals and preparation for green recycling and disposal.
Marine Environmental Support & Pollution Response
United Salvage provides specialist decommissioning and recycling services for vessels and marine assets that are end-of-life, damaged or no longer fit for service. Our team manages the controlled preparation, removal and disposal of assets in port, coastal and offshore environments, with a strong focus on safety, compliance and environmental responsibility.
United Salvage maintains a full suite of oil spill capture and containment equipment at its Port Kembla headquarters, supported by strategically positioned equipment caches in Mackay, Cairns and Dampier, enabling rapid mobilisation across Australia and the region. This capability includes containment booms, skimmers, recovery systems and mobile response equipment to support effective spill response across diverse operating environments.
Marine Operational Support, Planning & Training
United Salvage provides operational support and preparedness services to port authorities, national maritime agencies and marine operators, supporting readiness, response capability and effective decision-making during marine emergencies.
Drawing on decades of hands-on salvage and emergency response experience, United Salvage delivers practical support that goes beyond theory – ensuring plans, procedures and training are aligned with real-world operational conditions.
Marine small vessel recovery/wreck removal
United Salvage provides operational support and preparedness services to port authorities, national maritime agencies and marine operators, supporting readiness, response capability and effective decision-making during marine emergencies.
Drawing on decades of hands-on salvage and emergency response experience, United Salvage delivers practical support that goes beyond theory – ensuring plans, procedures and training are aligned with real-world operational conditions.
Frequently asked questions
How do we contact United Salvage in an emergency?
For emergency response, contact United Salvage via the 24/7 emergency phone number listed on this website. For non-urgent enquiries, you can contact the team via email or the contact form.
Can you support operations within active ports?
Yes. United Salvage has experience operating within live port environments and works closely with port authorities to ensure safety, compliance and minimal disruption to port operations.
Do you undertake large scale decommissioning and recycling projects?
Yes. United Salvage provides large scale decommissioning and recycling support for vessels and offshore assets, including fire damaged and end-of-life assets in port and offshore environments.
Can you assist with emergency towage planning and preparedness?
Yes. United Salvage provides emergency towage planning, preparation and consultancy services, including vessel-specific assessments and practical crew readiness support.
Do you work with insurers, P&I clubs and surveyors?
Yes. United Salvage regularly works alongside insurers, P&I clubs, surveyors, port authorities and regulators to support incident response, salvage planning and risk mitigation.
Do you provide environmental and pollution response services?
Yes. United Salvage maintains oil spill capture and containment capability and provides environmental response and pollution control services to support incident management and regulatory compliance.
