He was in 2003 go to the Turkey to be dismantled

Britain, like the France with its Clémenceau, knows what to do with its old filled vessels of asbestos. "We have developed a national strategy for the recycling of ships which is under public consultation until to June 22," explains Susan Wingfield, Advisor to the Ministry of the environment, food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The British strategy could be adopted by the European Union

The initiative was welcomed by the European Commissioner for environment Stavros Dimas, but also by Greenpeace that "Britain is the first country in Europe to implement a national policy" in the matter. This strategy, which summarizes the policy of the Government for the recycling of its own vessels, makes recommendations to the owners of trade ships which 95 of the components can be recycled. Drafted after a parliamentary report published in 2004, this new policy "is not finalized before September", says Susan Wingfield.

"British strategy could be a starting point for a strategy in the EU," said Marietta Harjono, in charge of the issue of the dismantling of ships in Greenpeace. Remains that there is little, British ships at the end of life were sent to the sites with low costs of Asia. A practice that the Government was forced to surrender for three years. "We intervened on HMS Intrepid, an amphibious vessel of 12 500 t." He was, in 2003, go to the Turkey to be dismantled. "Since the ship waits moored at a dock in Portsmouth", said Greenpeace. According to the NGO, it contains 40 tonnes of asbestos and other toxic products.

Impose asbestos removal work is done within the OECD

Britain has four old US Navy ships to anchor at Hartlepool (northeastern) since November 2003, waiting for demolition by the Able UK company on the arm. But under pressure from environmentalists, the works were blocked: "For the moment, no date has been set to examine the record", it indicates at the Town Hall. "Previously, Britain had no policy for end-of-life ships;" the problem is that it is cheaper to send in India or Bangladesh. "The vessels containing asbestos there are dismantled on beaches where the workers are not protected, and in poor and because communities that it is dangerous work always", said Marietta Harjono.

Now, the British ships "will be sent for recycling to the OECD countries." "We will specify the minimum criteria in environment, health and safety facilities responsible for recycling," said Susan Wingfield. While she welcomed the new strategy of London, Marietta Harjono believes it will take to study the details. "The British strategy covers ships owned by the Government and those British flag are, but their owners may choose to register their vessels elsewhere... before sending them to the case." Finally, it hopes that London focuses on vessels belonging to British nationals. "It may also have owners who are citizens but British use of registrations of convenience". However, commercial ships represent the largest share of ships for recycling. London believes that British military ships 30 will have to be dismantled by 2013, almost 400 business in the EU by 2010.