Press Release: Environment: Commission issues Green Paper on safer ship dismantling

The European Commission has published a consultation paper on how to make the dismantling of old ships safer for workers and the environment. The Green Paper on better ship dismantling represents an important stage in the development of an EU strategy in this area. Highlighting the dangerous and polluting conditions under which many ships are currently broken up on South Asian beaches, the paper sets out a range of options for action at EU level pending the development and entry into force of a planned international Convention on safe ship recycling. The aim of the consultation is to seek input from EU institutions, Member States, stakeholders and the public on the best way forward in addressing this serious health, safety and environmental issue.