Preparatory Discussions on Promoting Ship Recycling through the Global Programme Dhaka, 13 January 2008 Developments in Europe: The European Commissions Green Paper on better ship recycling Thomas Ormond European Commission DG Environment, Unit G.4

Structure of the presentation Background Problems Europes role Draft Ship Recycling Convention Towards an EU strategy Short- and medium-term measures Long-term measures

Background 1980s Cases of hazardous waste from Europe being dumped in developing countries 1989 Basel Convention – to control transboundary waste movements 1995 Basel Ban Amendment – to prohibit exports of hazardous waste from OECD to non-OECD countries. Transposed in the EU by the Waste Shipment Regulation (currently Reg. 1013/2006) s/90s Ship dismantling industry moves to developing countries. Since 1990s Reports about environmental and safety problems of beaching Technical Guidelines of Basel Convention / ILO / IMO Late 2005 IMO decides to develop Ship Recycling Convention.

Problems Many old ships (built until 1980s) have high quantities of hazardous materials on board. Of special concern: warships, large passenger liners, chemical and oil tankers. Until 2015 up to 5.5 million tonnes of materials of potential environmental concern could end up in dismantling yards, esp. oil sludge, oils, paints, PVC and asbestos (est. 2004). Problems with safety and environmental protection in shipbreaking yards: - Gas explosions - Higher accident risk without cranes/dockyard equipment - Toxic fumes - Asbestos - PCB, mercury + other hazardous materials - Lack of containment / impermeable surfaces – pollution of water and soil... Different environmental + safety standards – no level playing field worldwide!

Europes role Some EU Member States among top maritime nations. - 25% of worldwide tonnage EU-MS-flagged; - 40% owned by EU-domiciled companies. Nearly all larger ships from EU are dismantled in South Asia – without pre-cleaning. Several high-profile cases in Most maritime states have no ship recycling policy. Nov. 2006: EU Council sees environmentally sound management of ship dismantling as a priority and welcomes Commissions intention to work towards an EU-wide strategy.

Draft Ship Recycling Convention Cradle-to-grave approach Principle: certified ships to authorised yards Binding regulations, non-binding guidelines Open questions: scope, non-Parties, verification & compliance, ESM standard, implementation mechanisms Not covered: state vessels, small ships, domestic shipping? Will it generate change, when and how?

Towards an EU strategy Green Paper on better ship dismantling - adopted May 2007, public consultation until Sept Communication from the Commission – planned for second half of 2008 Studies of 2001, 2004, 2007 – further research planned Measures after adoption of Ship Recycling Convention (2009-)

Short- and medium-term measures Implementation of current waste shipment law + ILO, IMO, Basel Convention guidelines Voluntary action by ship-owners – to be encouraged Exemplary dismantling of government vessels Development of guidelines, standards, certificates Technical assistance for workers training, improvement of infrastructure etc in developing countries Public awareness-raising, transparency Research on technology, economic/social/environmental impacts

Long-term measures Implementation of the Ship Recycling Convention: - Prohibition / limitation of hazardous materials on board ships - Surveys and certificates in place worldwide - All ship recycling facilities authorised, safe + environmentally sound Sustainable worldwide funding system: Implementing the Polluter Pays principle!

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