ASIA UNION
Latest ports
Latest Waypoints
Latest news
Toxic ship finally leaves Chittagong
The illegally imported Chinese toxic ship MV Asia Union, which was asked to stay off the Chittagong port on its arrival on Monday, has finally left the Bangladesh waters, The Daily Star reports. Tajminur Rahman, senior assistant director of the Department of Environment, confirmed the departure of the shipimported by Cosco Shipping, a subsidiary of Beijing-based China Ocean Shipping Company. The company did not obtain the No Objection Certificate from the authorities. Formerly known as MV Humber and MV Cast Otter, the Asia Union was detected with at least 79 “deficiencies” since 2010 at different ports. It reportedly contains hazardous substances including asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl, toxic paints and chemical residues that have adverse effects on humans, wildlife and the environment. http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=204446
Asia Union ordered to stay off Chittagong
The "Asia Union" arrived in Chittagong for dismantling at 3.30 a.m. on Sep 19, 2011, but was asked to stay out of the port area. Port authorities ordered the ship to stay out of the port area, which is 5.5 nautical miles from Patenga point. The ship will have to be inspected by a committee, comprising experts from the Department of Environment and other members. Dismantling will only be allowed if the inspectors issue an environmental clearance. The "Asia Union" was detected with at least 79 deficiencies since 2010 at different ports, possesses hazardous substances including asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyl, toxic paints and chemical residues. If dismantled, the ship would expose workers and the environment to hazards. Prior to its arrival, an international maritime watchdog alerted Bangladesh. The Department of Environment in Chittagong thereupon alerted the port authority and the coastguard about the ship and urged them not to allow it enter the country for dismantling. Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, the Mercantile Marine Department and the Chittagong Customs also warned about the hazardous ship's arrival. The Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association said Indian ship breakers had rejected dismantling the ship due to the hazardous substances. The organisation urged the offices concerned not to issue any no objection certificate (NOC) or environmental clearance for dismantling the ship in Bangladesh.
Upload News