Asbestos Ship has Indian Dismantling Bid

Article Added May 1st, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story

An Indian firm has placed a bid to dismantle cruise ship containing asbestos. The boat is currently anchored off the coast of Malaysia , awaiting the winning bid from one of many firms wanting the contract.

Several firms have now placed bids in dismantling the Blue Lady, and cruise ship containing tons of asbestos. The companies specialize in ship demolition, but may not have the safety standards for handling large amounts of asbestos. The ship is currently waiting for its fate off the coast of Malaysia, due to its status as a potential environmental hazard. The companies are mostly from the shipyards of Alang, the largest ship breaking site in the world, and a few Indian breakers have already inspected the ship. The contracts come after an uproar in February concerning the decommissioned warship Clemenceau, which was recalled by the French government en route to India for dismantling.

Campaigners in both countries protested the demolition in India, and were relieved by the court-ordered decision to recall the ship. Those in the ship demolition business said the move could devastate the business in Gujarat, although the main cries from people in both countries have faded. The owner of the current ship in question was going to dismantle the Blue Lady, but the Bangladeshi government refused to allow that in their territory. The contract is now up for bidding.

Article Added May 1st, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story