The recent statement
from the Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA) regarding a ban on the beaching
method of recycling ships used in the Indian sub-continent has drawn criticism
from Singapore-based cash buyer Wirana Shipping Corporation.
The news was quite
disappointing on the face of it, says Keyur Dave, CFO. “We honestly, were quite
surprised to read it, as there are some Norwegian ship owners who are taking
their vessels to the sub-continent for recycling, albeit only to the “green”
yards. We really hope that we have understood it out of context and that there
is another angle to it.
“We find it difficult to
reconcile it to the fact that Norway has ratified the IMO Hong Kong Convention
which does not ban beaching as far as the recycling practices and procedures
are environmentally friendly, and yet this statement comes that NSA bans
beaching. We hope that the recycling community will hear something positive
from the NSA that reconciles the above paradox.”
Conversely, Dave
welcomed the statement by Maria Bruun Skipper from the Danish Shipowners
Association (DSA), stating that instead of banning any particular method merely
on the basis of geography or the method of recycling, owners should look at
individual yard standards.
“It would not be prudent
to put a blanket ban on beaching without considering the commendable
improvements made at some of the yards which are putting in time, money and
efforts that are recognized and approved by a world class, reputable and
proactive classification society,” says
Dave. “In our opinion, the conviction in the DSA’s statement is a direct result
of their going down to Alang and seeing the situation first hand. We encourage
NSA members too to visit Alang and look at the facilities in the good yards,
especially those under the Class NK program and they will be able to see the
substantial improvements that have been made.”
Wirana Shipping
Corporation claims to be the oldest cash buyer of ships for recycling in the
world. “Wirana has always been an ardent proponent of environmentally friendly
ship recycling,” says Dave. “We believe that responsible recycling can be done
on the beaches as well. It is not important which method is used – beaching,
landing, alongside or drydock. What is important is that the environment is not
damaged and workers’ safety is taken care of.
“There are international
experts who are ex-classification society employees and understand the subject
in depth who are able to, not only confirm that this is true but have helped at
least four yards in India who practice the beaching method to raise their
standards and they are now about to be certified compliant to the Hong Kong
Convention of IMO signed in 2009 by ClassNK.
“One of them is our
yard. The upgradation has not happened overnight. It was due to our strong
belief that it is the right thing to do, that we kept on making improvements
which have now culminated in the yard’s approval. We believe – and hope – that
the Norwegian statement has been understood out of context.”
Source: maritime
executive. 27 August 2015
http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/singapore-cash-buyer-says-norways-stance-paradoxical
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