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IMO discusses how to scrap ships safely

15 May 2009

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has been meeting in Hong Kong (11-15 May) to discuss proposals for the safe scrapping and recycling of ships. More than 500 delegates from 170 member states attended the conference to endorse an IMO convention on the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. Efthimios Mitropoulos, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation, has called for sustainable solutions that ensure safe dismantling of ships.

The draft convention covers: the design, construction, operation and preparation of ships for recycling; the safe and environmentally sound operation of ship recycling facilities; and enforcement mechanisms.

The proposals are not without controversy, a point noted by Efthimios Mitropoulos in his opening address. He told delegates they should balance safety and environmental concerns with the commercial requirements of shipping and associated economic considerations.

Environmental and human rights groups have pushed for the convention to outlaw the beaching of ships, but found little support for this at the Hong Kong conference. Such a move would affect the current shipbreaking industry in India and Bangladesh, where ships are dismantled on beaches, with toxic affects to the local environment.

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