In the heart of Aden’s bustling Fishery Port, Haidari Diving and Salvage (HDS) embarked on a monumental project—removing 22 sunken ships that had become hazards to navigation and fishing activities. This undertaking presented a unique set of challenges that tested our expertise, resilience, and determination. Yet, through sheer dedication and meticulous planning, HDS completed the project, marking a significant milestone in our company’s history.

The Challenge

From the outset, the Aden Fishery Port project posed immense challenges. The port’s narrow channels, the unpredictable nature of the tides, and the densely populated wreck site made maneuvering difficult. Moreover, the wrecks were deeply embedded in sediment and surrounded by decades of marine growth, making them extremely difficult to dislodge. The logistical difficulties of working in an operational port, combined with the environmental regulations, created a particularly tough environment for salvage operations.

To complicate matters further, many of the sunken ships were rusted, and unstable, and posed potential safety risks to our crew. Every move had to be calculated and precise to avoid triggering collapses or oil leaks that could have caused environmental damage. The weather also added another layer of complexity—strong winds and waves frequently hampered our operations, leading to delays and the need for constant adjustments in strategy

The Effort

Despite the overwhelming challenges, HDS approached the project with a strategic plan that required over 12 months of careful execution. Our team brought in specialized heavy-duty equipment, including cranes, tugboats, and underwater cutting tools, all of which were essential to safely removing the wrecks. Over 50 highly skilled workers, including divers, engineers, and support staff, worked tirelessly around the clock to meet deadlines.

Safety remained a top priority, with daily briefings and risk assessments to ensure that every operation was executed without harm to personnel or the environment. The delicate coordination between divers, crane operators, and environmental officers was key to preventing incidents and ensuring a smooth operation. The nature of the underwater work demanded intense focus, especially in low-visibility conditions where divers had to operate heavy equipment to dismantle parts of the ships.

Furthermore, maintaining open communication and cooperation with local authorities, the Fishery Authority, and international funders such as the UNDP was crucial. Every phase of the project required approvals, reports, and transparency to keep all stakeholders aligned with HDS’s progress and safety protocols.

The Triumph

After months of battling the elements, overcoming logistical hurdles, and navigating complex underwater operations, HDS achieved what many believed was impossible. The removal of all 22 wrecks was completed ahead of schedule. The port was finally cleared, restoring it to full operational capacity and greatly benefiting the local fishing community.

Our success in Aden Fishery Port is a testament to HDS’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality salvage services, even in the most challenging environments. Through hard work, advanced technology, and a skilled team, we not only met the expectations of the stakeholders but also set a new standard for wreck removal in the region.

This project stands as a shining example of HDS’s expertise, resilience, and ability to deliver under the most difficult conditions. The completion of the Aden Fishery Port wreck removal is not just a victory for our company but for the entire community that depends on the port for their livelihoods.