14 DAY TRIAL // Only recently, the European Parliament agreed that Europe could probably use a ship recycling fund whose purpose would be that of making sure that vessels were turned into scrap metal not at any time and in any place, but in specialized facilities which pose no threats either to workers, or to the environment.
In all fairness, the practice of recycling is supposed to be all about promoting sustainability and green-oriented behavior, so making sure recycling in itself does nothing to harm the natural world seems like a good idea.
Environmental Leader quotes Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, who wished to make the following observations concerning the rolling out of this ship recycling fund:
“Although the ship recycling sector has improved its practices, many facilities continue to operate under conditions that are dangerous and damaging.”
Furthermore, “This proposal aims to ensure that our old ships are recycled in a way that respects the health of workers as well as the environment. It is a clear signal to invest urgently in upgrading recycling facilities.”
The ship recycling facilities wishing to carry on with their business agenda will be left with no choice except abide by the new environmental and safety requirements or risk not receiving their authorization.
More precisely, they will have to prove that whatever waste gets produced when vessels are dismantled for scrap metal is dealt with in a proper and environmentally friendly way.
Hazardous materials such as asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), tributyl tin and oil sludge are the ones that threaten the environment the most, hence the recycling facilities' having to learn how to dispose of them accordingly.
The same source informs us that, in order to promote environmental protection, European ships will only be allowed to be recycled at such authorized facilities.
Those who send ships sailing under the European flag to be recycled at facilities that have not been authorized to carry out such activities face significant penalties.
“Every year, more European end-of-life ships containing hazardous materials are sent to India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Such practices are unacceptable and Europe is in the driver’s seat to put a stop to this on-going human rights and environmental disaster,” environmentalist Patrizia Heidegger wished to emphasize.