Brussels, 27/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - In order to be done with the scrapping of ships flying the European flag elsewhere than in facilities that are safe for the workers and ecologically rational, there is nothing better than strict application of the “polluter pays” principle and penalties for those in breach of that principle, say the members of the environment committee at the European Parliament, which is chaired by Mathias Groote (S&D, Germany). Following Carl Schlyter (Greens/EFA, Sweden), who is the rapporteur on review of the regulation on the scrapping of old ships proposed by the European Commission just one year ago (see EUROPE 10581), MEPs have, by their amendments, strengthened the draft regulation aimed at reducing the adverse effects of careless scrapping and dismantling of old ships in developing countries - mainly South East Asia.
“MEPs have today voted by a very large majority to create financial incentives to scrap ships safely, including a recycling fund financed by the industry itself. This would steer ships that trade with the EU into proper ship recycling facilities”, the rapporteur was pleased to state, expressing the hope that “this will now be included in the final legislation”.
MEPs advocate that a recycling levy be imposed on ships calling in at EU ports. That levy would be paid into a recycling fund to be used by European and non-European ships. Shipowners would be able to choose between an annual recycling fee, to be paid directly into the fund, or a port tax for each port call in the EU, to be collected by the port authorities.
Ships would be exempted from paying the recycling levy if their owners have deposited a financial guarantee to ensure that they use EU-listed facilities for recycling and treatment. Having to pay the levy at the time of calling in at an EU port would prevent rules from being circumvented by “out-flagging”, i.e. by re-registering a ship outside the EU.
Sanctions would be imposed on the owners of European ships sold and sent for recycling on a beach or in a facility that is not on the EU list, within 12 months of the sale. Member states should ensure that an inventory setting out the dangerous substances is carried on board each EU ship. Ships that do not stop over or moor in a member state should also carry an inventory of dangerous substances. If controls show that the ship does not comply with the inventory, then penalties may be imposed. (AN/transl.jl)