August 29, 2006 Netherlands –
Dutch Environmental Secretary Pieter van Geel was unsuccessful in persuading Turkey to accept an asbestos laden ship for demolition.
The Otapan had been lying in Amersterdam until it left in late July to be demolished in Aliaga, Turkey. When it arrived, authorities denied permission to dock and the ensuing controversy has both sides on the defensive.
Part of the problem lies in the fact that according to Turkish sources, the amount of asbestos on the ship was underreported by nearly 53 tons. The original documentation approved by Dutch authorities gave the amount as being around 1000kg.
In talks earlier this week van Geel was trying to get the ship clearance as it has been off the Turkish coast awaiting a decision. The Turkish government however rejected his offer and chose not to accept the ship.
Now the Dutch government will have to search for new solutions as it comes under heavy fire from groups like Greenpeace who claim the government deliberately mislead Turkish authorities by approving the original documentation.
This is the second time in a matter of months that a ship full of asbestos caused international problems.
Earlier this year, the French ship Clemenceau was to be demolished in India before massive protests and government pressure forced Prime Minister Jacques Chirac to recall the ship back to port.
Conditions Associated with Asbestos like mesothelioma along with the dangers of dismantling ships kills hundreds of workers every year.
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