Press release - 8 October, 2002
Greenpeace activists stamp a 'toxic waste' warning sign, on the stern of the Greek owned ship Silver Ray in Antwerp harbour today. The ship is shortly bound for scraping in Asia.
Greenpeace activists stamped a warning sign on the stern of the
Greek owned ship for scrap 'Silver Ray' in Antwerp harbour today,
confirming that the vessel is toxic waste. The move followed
results of samples taken from the ship by the environmental
organisation last week that confirmed the vessel contains asbestos
and other hazardous materials.
On hearing that the 'Silver Ray' contains hazardous materials,
the Flemish Minister for the Environment, Vera Dua, declared she
will do everything possible to make sure
the vessel is not exported for scrap without being cleaned
first.
"If this vessel is sent to Asia without being cleaned, workers
and the environment around the shipbreaking yards will be exposed
to the toxic asbestos on board," said Greenpeace campaigner
Marietta Harjono. "The owners of the 'Silver Ray' must safely
remove the asbestos and other dangerous materials before exporting
her to Asia for scrap," she added.
Greenpeace is calling on delegates attending the International
Maritime Organisation (IMO) meeting in London this week to ensure
the IMO takes responsibility for the severe pollution caused by the
shipping industry when it exports contaminated ships for scrap to
Asia.
"Decisions taken this week could go a long way towards
protecting the health of people and the environment around Asian
shipbreaking yards," said Harjono, speaking from the IMO meeting.
"The case of the 'Silver Ray' makes it clear that mandatory
guidelines for cleaning vessels before they're exported for scrap
are vital. Until they're enforced worldwide, and the industry is
held accountable for the pollution it's causing, ship owners will
continue to dodge responsibility for cleaning their vessels and
continue to leave others to suffer from exposure to toxic
pollution," she concluded
VVPR info: More information see: www.greenpeaceweb.org/shipbreak Images are available from the Greenpeace International photodesk on + 31 20 524 9580