Lessons from a life in salvage: Leendert Muller 

With decades of experience in towage and salvage, Multraship Towage & Salvage managing director Captain Leendert Muller shares his knowledge, wisdom and insights. He has spent time at sea, decades with the family business Multraship, and years serving on the executive committees of various industry bodies. He has been chairman of the European Tugowners Association and is currently vice president of the International Salvage Union (ISU), where he was previously president. International Tug & Salvage asked Capt Muller to share his experiences and advice through a series of open questions.

My entry into the salvage industry 

My maritime journey began at the age of 16, although I had already been sailing on a tugboat during weekends and holidays. From a young age, I was immersed in the world of sailing, and by 16, I officially joined the family business. During weekdays, I worked diligently, while on weekends, I pursued maritime education to obtain all the necessary certifications.

During this period, I also completed an internship at Fednav on a bulk carrier, which further solidified my passion for the maritime profession. From 1984 to 1994, I sailed full-time, followed by two years of a balanced schedule between sailing and shore duties. From 1996 onwards, I became more involved in shore-based operations, gaining experience in all disciplines to further my development. In 2002, I took the helm from my father, continuing the legacy of our family business.

My best moment in salvage

There have been countless memorable moments in my salvage career. If I were to highlight the most recent, it would be the operation involving CSCL Jupiter, which ran aground and blocked the harbour of Antwerp, Belgium in 2017. It was a complex operation, with uncertainty about whether we could refloat the vessel, but in the end we succeeded.

There have been many other remarkable salvages such as the Fremantle Highway car carrier fire extinguish and emergency tow in 2023. Other key successful salvage projects were Fowairet, Pelican 1, Pioneer Onegi and Aya 2.

Reflecting back to 1987/88, for example, we brought a nearly sunken inland vessel to safety with five tugboats, saving two babies and two young children in the process.  

My worst moment in salvage

The souls we lost along the voyage, those who could no longer be saved. There are certain instances, such as when individuals have drowned or passed away, that are marked with a thick black border. These tragic events remind us of the paramount importance of maritime safety.

My biggest achievement

It is challenging to speak of my own accomplishments, as I firmly believe our achievements are the result of collective effort. Much like a well-co-ordinated crew ensures the smooth sailing of a ship, our company’s current standing is a testament to our teamwork and unity. We have navigated through both calm seas and stormy waters together, remaining down-to-earth. This is something I am proud of.  

The funniest moment

There is not one funniest moment. From where my career began to where we stand today, we have seen and experienced so many funny moments. We always work very hard together but also enjoy and celebrate achievements together.  

Who/what I learned most from

Firstly, from my parents, of course. My family. My grandfather always told me, “If you cannot share, you will never be able to multiply.” That is certainly one of the things that often crosses my mind. But beyond that, I have learned a great deal from the people I have met along the way and those I have worked with in various capacities.  

My guilty pleasure

My guilty pleasure is still occasionally sailing on one of our vessels. Besides that, I enjoy anything related to watersports or skiing.

My favourite salvage tug/asset

Certainly, Barracuda. It was the boat I sailed on for many years and with which I performed several rescue operations. Although it is no longer part of our fleet, it will always remain in my memory.

My favourite location

This is not specifically one place, but anywhere on the water or in the mountains.

My one regret

I sometimes have spent too little time with family or at family occasions.

My advice for a young person in salvage

I would advise young people to stay true to themselves, stay calm under pressure, and not get ahead of themselves. If you want to be in salvage, you must be committed 24/7, and if you give that commitment, you will absolutely receive appreciation in multiple ways. Additionally, be hands-on and eager to learn, as there is so much to learn. No matter how old you are, there is always something new to learn. Last, but not least, be open to what others have to say; listen and make thoughtful decisions.