The illegally imported Chinese
toxic ship MV Asia Union, which was asked to stay off the Chittagong
port on its arrival on Monday, has finally left the Bangladesh
Tajminur Rahman, senior assistant
director of the Department of Environment, confirmed the departure of the ship imported
by Cosco Shipping, a subsidiary of Beijing-based China Ocean Shipping Company. The
company did not obtain the No Objection Certificate from the authorities.
Formerly known as MV Humber and MV
Cast Otter, the Asia Union was detected with at least 79 “deficiencies” since 2010
at different ports. It reportedly contains hazardous substances including asbestos,
polychlorinated biphenyl, toxic paints and chemical residues that have adverse
effects on humans, wildlife and the environment.
The Daily Star on Friday reported
the imminent arrival of the ship, whose movement is monitored by international
maritime watchdogs.
As soon as the ship reported its
arrival at 3:30am on Monday, the port authorities ordered it to stay out of the
port, which is 5.5 nautical miles (nearly 10km) from Patenga, Captain Nazmul
Alam, deputy conservator of Chittagong
Sources in the shipbreaking
industry said most of the importers do not comply with the law because they can
manage the authorities.
The authorities granted dismantling
more than 100 ships in shipbreaking yards in Sitakunda since the High Court on
March 7 conditionally relaxed restrictions on purchase of ships for dismantling.
Source: The Daily Star. 29 September 2011
No comments:
Post a Comment