Issued 20 November 2013

The International Salvage Union’s Award for Meritorious Service has been made posthumously to Paul Lange of SKULD, an Associate Member of the ISU. Mr Lange was a senior Vice President at SKULD and head of its risk management department before his death from cancer. It is the first time the Award has been made.

In making the Award, the ISU Executive Committee noted Mr Lange’s long experience of dealing with marine casualties and, in particular, his efforts over the years to promote a proactive and cooperative approach to casualty handling and his work to ensure meaningful dialogue between P&I Clubs, marine salvors and other parties responding to casualties.

Mr Lange demonstrably promoted a spirit of cooperation which has led to improvements in casualty handling to the benefit of all parties. The ISU Executive Committee also took into consideration Mr Lange’s commitment to attend ISU events, and other industry fora, where he worked to maintain good relationships and to improve understanding in what can be contentious matters. ISU also noted Mr Lange’s contribution, with others, of the chapter on insurance in its Casualty Management Guidelines, published jointly with the Nautical Institute.

Mr Lange was very knowledgeable about salvage and casualty response but he was always eager to learn more in order to improve processes and, again, to promote cooperation rather than confrontation. ISU President, Leendert Muller added: “Paul Lange was very well known in the salvage industry. He was well-respected, very

personable and much liked. He was a breath of fresh air and a worthy recipient of this Award.”

Mr Lange was nominated for the award by SKULD’s Sandro Vuylsteke before he passed away. In making the Award, the ISU Executive Committee and membership extended their condolences and deep sympathy to Mr Lange’s family at their sad loss.