Vatlestraumen Strait News

On March 30, 2004, the parbuckling of MV ‘Rocknes’ in Agotnes, Norway, was completed successfully by SMIT Salvage. After two months of preparations, the final stage of the parbuckling process started March 27. In a two-day-long unique operation the vessel was pulled upright from its upside-down position with only a small starboard lift remaining. For this operation the salvors used the Dive Support/Salvage Vessel ‘SMIT Orca’, two immersion and salvage pontoons mounted on a semi-submersible flattop barge which together supported the pulling winches, and a supporting barge.

On March 30, 2004, the parbuckling of MV Rocknes in Agotnes, Norway, was completed by SMIT Salvage. After two months of preparations, a two-day-long unique operation ensued as the vessel was pulled upright from its upside-down position. The salvors used the Dive Support/Salvage Vessel SMIT Orca, two immersion and salvage pontoons mounted on a semi-submersible flattop barge which together supported the pulling winches, and a supporting barge. On March 28, after pulling the vessel into this 130-degree gradient, salvors pumped water out and air into the vessel in order for it to reach its original draft depth. A team then proceeded with the conservation of onboard instruments and machinery, while the salvors sprayed parts of the vessel with anti-corrosion material. The Rocknes is a 544.6 ft.