Environmental group Toxic Watch Alliance, which had moved the SC in connection with Exxon Valdez that led to verdict of banning entry of similar ships in future, has informed concerned authorities at both Centre and state governments for preventing arrival of the ship.
“Ship owned by Norddeutsche Vermögen and chartered by Swiss company MSC is headed for the ship-breaking beach of Alang from Singapore,’’ said Gopal Krishna of TWA that track movement of such ships.
He said they have written to Michael Steiner, German Ambassador in India as well as other concerned authorities, to prevent its arrival.
According to reports, Northern Vitality was sold towards the end of August 2012 by its German owner to the US-based cash buyer Global Marketing System.
On July 30, the Supreme court made it clear that Exxon Valdez, a ship famous for the oil pollution it caused in Alaska in 1989, and which was sold for demolition in May 2012, would be the last toxic ship to be allowed into Indian waters.
The supreme court has directed the government to ensure a clean and pollution free marine environment on Alang beach and ensure prior decontamination of obsolete ships in the country of export prior to entering Indian waters for dismantling purposes.
The TWA claimed that there are hazardous materials, such as asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), used in the ship’s construction.
Alang, Asia’s largest ship breaking yard with over 100 plots, has remained in the thick of controversies on regular basis for being final destination of ships, some of which are toxic laden.
Exxon Valdez, the last ship to land in controversy, had managed to find its way, with both Gujarat Pollution Control Board and Gujarat Maritime Board giving assurance of safe dismantling.
Source Indian Express
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