Courts State Blue Lady Should Not Be Dismantled Without Permission -- MesoLink.org -- 08-18-06

The Supreme Court in India has stated that the troubled Norwegian vessel, the Blue Lady, should not be dismantled without its permission. The ship is now at the Alang ship breaking yard, and has been at the center of controversy, with environmental groups expressing concern over the health of workers due to tons of toxic waste such as asbestos being on board.

When the vessel arrived at the ship breaking yard, the court stated: “Breaking cannot take place without our orders.” It also stated: “If it is done without our order we will deal with it.”

Environmental groups have been fighting against the dismantling of the vessel, and led by Greenpeace, had asked the courts for a restraining order to ensure that the ship was not dismantled and workers lives were therefore not put under risk. The restraining order was not granted, but the court stressed that the vessel was not to be dismantled without its permission.

The court has appointed experts to evaluate the vessel and provide information regarding how much and what type of toxic waste is on board.