The European
Commission (EC) has released technical guidance for ship recycling facilities,
subject to approval by the European Union (EU) Ship Recycling Regulation.
This step is said
to replicate the petition of the environmental and human rights
non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to shift ship recycling to a platform
that can ensure sustainable practices.
The facilities that
seek to feature in the EU-approved list will be required to fulfill safe
working conditions, pollution control including proper downstream waste
management, and enforcement of international labour rights.
NGO Shipbreaking
Platform policy director Ingvild Jenssen said: "Recycling yards that want
to make it on the EU list of approved facilities need to meet high
environmental and safety standards.
"The EC is
clear in its message: an unprotected beach is never going to be an appropriate
place for a high-risk heavy industry involving hazardous waste
management."
The EU list of
approved ship recycling facilities will serve as a global reference point for
sustainable ship recycling, and will reward companies who already have or
intend to invest in the infrastructure and the employment of fully trained
workers promoting safe and environmentally sound recycling practices.
The list is
anticipated to feature yards responsible shipping companies such as Hapag
Lloyd, Wilhelmsen, Grieg and Royal Dutch Boskalis work with in Europe, China
and Turkey after they comply with the requirements and in some cases also
improving their practices in order to meet the European standard.
For ship owners,
the EU list will serve as a guarantee that their end-of-life vessels do not
pose any harm to workers and the environment.
The NGOs can submit
complaints and concerns to the EC, supported by the 'independent verifiers with
qualifications' and audits by the EC or agents acting on its behalf, regarding
the functioning of a facility, and advise for an on-site visit to establish
whether the facility should be removed from the list.
The establishment
of good practices related to ship repair facilities has paved the way for the
establishment of new facilities.
Source: ship-technology.
14 April 2016
No comments:
Post a Comment