There is growing opposition within the European Parliament to the inclusion of two Indian shipyards on the EU ship recycling list. Shipping companies are now stepping up the pressure on MEPs, urging them to reject a motion to that effect.
On 4 November, the European Parliament’s Environment Committee will vote on a motion for a resolution opposing the Commission’s proposal to include two Indian ship recycling yards on the European list of ship recycling facilities.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from the European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA). The organisation is now calling on Members of the European Parliament to reject this motion and to support the inclusion of the two Indian shipyards on the EU list.
“The two Indian yards have been thoroughly assessed as part of a comprehensive inspection process and meet the requirements of the EU Regulation. This represents significant progress in ensuring high environmental and safety standards in global ship recycling,” the shipowners state. The Commission’s proposal sends a clear signal: shipyards outside the EU that meet the safety and environmental requirements of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR) can and should be recognised.
ECSA therefore calls on Members of the European Parliament to support the Commission’s proposal, which is based on a thorough and independent inspection process.
“The inclusion of the two Indian shipyards on the EU list is a long-awaited and very welcome step that rewards investments made to comply with EU standards. To oppose the inclusion of facilities that meet the EU’s strict safety and environmental standards would undermine the credibility of EU legislation itself,” explained Secretary-General Sotiris Raptis.
Back in July, the association had already welcomed the Commission’s proposal. In September , the global shipping industry issued a joint industry statement in support of the proposal and also sent an open letter to EU ministers, urging them to adopt the list.
