Brussels, Oct 21 (IANS) European Union environment ministers meeting in Luxembourg Wednesday adopted a Strategy on ship recycling with the objective that all ships are recycled in safe and environmentally sound facilities worldwide.
“This shows that the EU is taking the issue very seriously and that methods that are safe for the environment and for workers can be promoted,” EuAsiaNews quoted Sweden’s Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren as saying.

Carlgren chaired the ministerial meeting as Sweden holds the current EU presidency.

The ministers of the 27-member bloc in a joint statement stressed that the EU should play a major role in the field, with 25 percent of the world merchant ships flying the flags of EU member states and about 40 percent owned by European companies.

The environment ministers consider that it is important that the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) swiftly enters into force.

The ministers urged the European Commission to review how rules on ship recycling can be introduced at EU level.

In addition, the EU urges all actors in the shipping industry to engage in global cooperation and voluntary measures.

The strategy also aims to set tougher requirements regarding ships that are scrapped on beaches, a phenomenon known as ‘beaching.’