EU Calls for New Rules on Dismantling Ships

Source: Associated Press

The European Union is calling for the development of new rules that govern the breakup of oil tankers and other large shipping vessels to better protect workers and environmental interests. Because most of the yards where ships are torn down are now located in Southeast Asia, EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas is also calling for financial aid and technical assistance to countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh that are directly affected by the break down of these ships.

The EU is concerned about the affects that ship break down has on workers involved in the physical dismantling of the ships, as well as the environmental problems that are associated with improper handling of toxic chemicals and other substances. Many of these vessels were built with asbestos and other hazardous materials, so their break down requires proper training and equipment – two things that some shipyards in Southeast Asia have not been able to provide.

The problem is especially acute because new regulations enacted by the EU and the USA are phasing out single-hulled oil tankers in favor of the use of double-hulled tankers, which are safer and less likely to be involved in catastrophic oil spills.