28 Jun 13 - 15:51
This new regulation will establish a list of EU approved ship recycling facilities
Ireland's Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, has welcomed the agreement reached with the European Parliament on the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, heralding it as an important instrument to achieve the safe and environmentally sound recycling of EU ships at end-of-life.
This new regulation will establish a list of EU approved ship recycling facilities requiring high standards to ensure that EU flagged ships are properly recycled and that waste materials contained therein are properly managed throughout the recycling process, preventing negative environmental impacts while also safeguarding the health of workers in the facilities.
The EU regulation is the first legislative instrument adopted at regional level in respect of this significant waste stream containing hazardous substances.
Minister Hogan said:
"Up to now, EU ships have generally been dismantled and recycled at sub-standard sites operating to low standards in 3rd countries. From the date of application of this regulation, this practice will now have to cease in respect of EU-flagged ships. Ships will instead have to be properly recycled in approved facilities operating to high environmental and worker safety standards."
"I would also hope that this new EU regulation will act as an important stimulus to facilitate the early ratification of the Hong Kong Convention on Ship Recycling which was adopted in 2009 and that, on foot of this EU initiative, other global regions will follow the EU lead in respect of this important waste stream" added the Minister.
The agreement reached concludes 6 months of intensive negotiations under the Irish EU Presidency.
Source: eu2013.ie
