Turks Allow Asbestos Ship to Enter Waters

August 1, 2006 - In the continuing saga of the breaking of asbestos-laden ships, which has reached the waters of places like India and Poland, the Turkish government has allowed the Mexican ship Otapan to enter its waters.

The ship, which has been stalled at Amsterdam Port for seven years, is expected to arrive at Izmir’s Aliaga province in three weeks.  Environmentalists are angered by the decision, noting that the ship carries at least one ton of mineral wool asbestos in its outer covering.

According to an article in the Zaman Daily newspaper, the Ministry of Environment has made contradictory statements in regards to the ship, which opponents say will pose great risk once taken off board, until it is disposed of properly.  Ministry officials had originally stated that they would not allow the ship to enter Turkish territorial waters.

Ministry officials stated that the ship would be thoroughly examined once in Aliaga and sent back if any dangerous material is found. Aliaga Shipyards Director Nevzat Sariaslan notes that he has an experienced team ready to handle any toxins in the ship.  He also added that the shipyard has the technology to handle dangerous materials – like asbestos – properly.

“We will carry out these procedures in accordance with established regulations,” he added.  Sariaslan promised to appropriately dispose of the dangerous waste from the ship within a week.

The Turkish economy, notes Sariaslan, will benefit from the shipbreaking of the Otapan.  France is also considering Turkey for the disassembling of 270 of its retired war ships.  “They came and we showed them the facilities. If we could only reach an agreement, so the Turkish economy could earn income from the deal,” Sariaslan added.