Thu, 02 September 2010  21:50:15
No Scrapping 3 Comment(s)
20 Mar, 2009 18:24:27
Sri Lanka prohibits ship breaking
March 20, 2009 (LBO) - Sri Lanka has ruled out ship breaking as an industry under its efforts to promote the island as a maritime hub, going against the trend in the region, according to a new national port and shipping policy.
The policy, the draft of which was released this week, cited environmental concerns and lack of tidal differences for the decision.

Previous shipping policies have mentioned ship breaking as one of the maritime sector industries that could be promoted to take advantage of the island's geographical position close to international shipping routes.

However, no ship breaking activity emerged on the island, in sharp contrast to Sri Lanka's neighbours, especially India and Bangladesh, which have become the dumping ground for that part of the world's shipping fleet that needs to be scrapped.

Ship breaking in India and Bangladesh has generated much controversy because of environmental pollution problems as well as worker safety concerns.

The ship breaking yards have become notorious for poor safety standards which regularly result in the deaths of workers or serious injury.

Shipping industry officials said workers safety was one of the concerns taken into consideration in the decision to ban ship breaking.

The new draft policy said that ship demolition work has much potential as large numbers of vessels are being sold for scrap and because developed nations are reluctant to allow ship breaking on their coasts.

Developed countries have had to face pressure from the public as well as environmental groups to discourage ship breaking, considered dirty and dangerous work.

The draft policy stressed that the Sri Lankan government will not encourage ship breaking.

"Ship breaking is known to create environmental pollution, including oil pollution," the draft policy said.

"The lack of significant tidal differences on the coasts of Sri Lanka does not facilitate ease of handling of ship breaking activities."

The policy also said the island's coast have to be protected for the development of the tourism industry.

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READER COMMENT(S)
3. kalinga Mar 28
Congratulations to the Minister and the Ports Authority for environmentally friendly draft policy framework. Hope the stakeholders/NGOs will contribute positively towards finalisation of policy.

Announcement by the President of Maldives this week taking the initiative to be the first carbon neutral country in the world.

There is no reason why Srilanka cannot move towards this noble goal and set an example to the world.You will have the support from Obama's leadership in USA. Stakeholders/NGOs please note the challenge 'yes we can'

2. Mezrg Mar 23
Well, if it hasn't happened before, in a way, it is good to ensure it never happens. In the meantime, there are may other important things that needs to be legislated promptly too (as oil spills and refurbishment of ships) Hope the government will consider them urgently.
1. Deepal Edirisinghe Mar 21
It is a very commendable decision going to be taken. Very appreciated. All the people who love our motherland will happy. People should know the value of this paradise. Better not to allow to eat others dirts by law.