Rhine barge cleanup puts spotlight on salvage

Rhine barge cleanup puts spotlight on salvage    The European Sea Ports Organization (ESPO) said a recent accident involving a barge on the Rhine River highlights the need for efficient streamlining of salvage procedures and better cooperation between authorities involved.
   The disabled chemical barge Waldhof stopped traffic on the Rhine near Sankt Goarshausen on Jan. 13 and has lasted for several weeks as authorities oversee the cleanup.
   'Accidents like this can occur on any river, which is why I believe we need a European approach that strikes a proper balance between safety, environment and trade,' said ESPO Chairman Victor Schoenmakers in a statement. 'If we want to make inland navigation a true co-modal partner, this is absolutely vital.
   'It is absolutely necessary that safety aspects are taken seriously in the removal of the wreck, especially since explosion risks are involved,' Schoenmakers said. 'But it is unacceptable that one of the most important inland waterway arteries of Europe remains blocked for nearly a month. This not only hampers trade in general but also causes tremendous problems in ports.'