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Of The Week - Geoffrey Lean - Environment Editor For The Independent
On Sunday Writing In The London Evening Standard:- We should be proud that we appear to have more technical expertise in the UK than in America for doing this work safely and let Commerce do its job without a minority of do gooders trying to stop it. How can our Environment Agency get things so wrong. There must be a lot of members of the emotional “Friends of the Earth”. Hi, Please note that not everyone is against your work to 're-cycle' the US ships, it is a very important task, and far better done in a controlled environment that letting these vessels rot in some dock in a forgotten part of the world! Keep up the good work! Kind regards I am really puzzled by the problems you are facing in what seems to me to be a pretty straightforward operation in bringing the "ghost fleet" to UK and recycling them in an environmentally friendly way. I am particularly concerned by the way FoE have been demonizing your project in respect of the alleged PCB content of these vessels. I support your responsible approach to the dismantling of derelict ships and deplore the mischievous antics of the pressure groups. Having a background in the nuclear industry and having worked on Hartlepool power station, I also know you part of the world and their unprincipled attitudes. These groups should devote their time to saving wild animals and not get involved in technical issues that are beyond their comprehension. Regard Chartered Engineer Dear Sir. I wonder if there is some kind of vendetta against your firm. When you think of the ships built and repaired on Tyneside for years using asbestos, why? has the whole riverside population not been infected. To the best of my knowledge the only people infected with asbestosis was the people who had direct or near constant contact. I was in the Merchant Navy for 45 years and lived in an environment with cool air (In the tropics) then warm air (in colder climes) being blown threw asbestos lagged trunking 24 hrs a day.. We (The Crew) also made minor repairs to the lagging at times. I do not know of any seaman who has died of this disease. As for toxic waste! ? These vessels were US Navy Fleet Oilers carrying fuel and no One in their right mind sends a ship for scrap with fuel onboard. Its all pumped off and resold. I was a Deep Sea Tug Master for 21 years and towed lots of scrap ships mainly to Kaohshiung in Taiwan. Never heard no complaints from there. Capt. (Retd) Request: Inform the misguided people that the Brit.Gov. has scrapped 12 naval tankers abroad in last 20 yrs, to India, Spain, Belgium Turkey to name just a few countries where we have sent our GHOST SHIPS. 2 IN 2001 to Turkey! Sir, I have just seen one of your senior managers / representatives on BBC News 24 ( 17:30) and at last can see that the BBC is BEGINNING to respond to many people’s expectations in the UK that they should be FAR,, FAR fairer and exact in their reporting, giving a full UNBIASED and BALANCED coverage!!! I know nothing about breaking up ships. However what I am sure of is that your yard with its history and experience in breaking up ships is in a much better position to do this than other countries such as India Pakistan etc who would love to get this business if the UK environmental agency get their way!!! As a Project Manager who has worked in countries such as India Pakistan, Philippine etc I know first hand the attention they pay at this time to PROPERLY disposing of these so called toxic products. Mostly its nothing!!! You can be assured of my support and I’m sure the support of a LARGE number of sensible fairer minded people in this country. I hope the court case in December allows you to begin the dismantling of ALL the vessels. It would be ridiculous to send ANY of the ships all the way back across the Atlantic or anywhere else. I am just writing to you to offer my support. I feel very annoyed that a small ill-informed minority have yet again managed to stop the highest trained workers in the world going about there jobs. I feel very strongly that these ships prove a problem, the best thing for them is for you to dismantle them fully and safely. I believe that your company offers the only credible solution to the problems of these ships. I would also like to say that if there is any possibilities that you could continue with the work, do not hesitate to let me know if I can do anything to help. Right to MP’s or the like. Also feel free to post any comments I have made in any form on your site or anywhere else. I can see from the Press you are being unfairly dealt with. If there is anyway we can assist just let us know. I am so sorry to hear about all of these issues you are having with the USA contract, if I can help you in any way please call me and I mean that. By help I mean both business support where I can and at no cost and personal support to you if you need a sounding board. I cannot believe what is happening to you, I actually have a photo from 1974 of Graythorp 1 in your dry dock with the bund wall clearly shown, how can they say you don't have permission, the wall already exists. As a lifetime (35yrs) practitioner in hazardous waste disposal and treatment, believing that the UK has the leading global expertise in this field, I deplore the recent actions of the "NIMBYs" in blocking your apparently legitimate export of Waste Management Technology. Export in the sense that we receive money from abroad in return for Waste Management services. I am incensed, not only by the obstructionist attitude of the authorities, but the totally negative press coverage. Apart from merely offering moral support, I wish to offer any assistance I may to help you resolve the current dispute. I do not seek payment. After the present furore subsides I would be happy to discuss scrapping vessels in Bangladesh. I am just dropping you this short e-mail to wish you and your companies' employees the best of luck with your much-reported Ship project. What an excellent opportunity to bring much needed wealth and job prospects to the North East and Hartlepool in particular. I am sure much of the local manufacturing and industry in general are behind you with this project. Please don't let the negative media reports get to you and once again good luck with this and don't let the b*****ds get you down. Mr Blackwood, I read with dismay your comments on these ships in the Mail on Sunday on 2nd Nov. Your facts seem incorrect to me. Firstly these ships might be rusting - all ships are to some degree - but they have been declared safe to be towed anywhere in the world by Authorities adopting international standards. Secondly they are not "laden" with anything. "Laden" implies "heavy with, full of", as of cargo. In fact these ships are empty. Your piece as written is misleading. Can we look forward to a correction next Sunday? Seen on news re the Ghost Ships, trust all works out satisfactory. Shame people think they need to have some form of input without knowledge or real depth of thought. Sorry about the type style below but it is a cut and past from a box on the BBC website. I just sent them the statement in an effort to bring some balance to your argument - I am in scrap cars and we and you need all the help we can get to wake up the nation to the job to be done on the "sins of the fathers" problems without the hype we have these days. Good luck with the contract and go down and clear Portsmouth if you are allowed! LLOYDS LIST - 20th October 2003 EASILY SPOOKED OVER 'GHOST' SHIPS Viewpoint:- I DON'T know a great deal about Lord Whitty, the government environment spokesman in the House of Lords. But I have to say I warmed to him for his fulsome support of the plan to import the already celebrated 13 'ghost' ships of the US James River fleet for demolition at a yard near Hartlepool. We should, he said, take pride in still having the capacity and ability to treat 'such otherwise dangerous material'. Dear Sirs I think your decision to fetch these vessels to Hartlepool will give the area some much needed work. Its about time the dock was put to some use, the boats that are coming are not in such a bad condition as people think. I know that ordinary vessels have a hull thickness of 4 ml these vessels have a hull of about 9 ml reading about your company I think you can handle this contract with no fears, the reports that I have read say because these vessels have been looked after by a maintenance crew and they are ex US navy the vessels from what I can find out on the web where small leaks have been found these have been seen to by the US navy and maintenance crews, if people read up on this subject they will be in for a surprise. Good luck with your venture. Ex shipyard worker and merchant navy eng. 1st of all we wish to congratulate you for the closing of the US-Navy Vessels business, where we wish you all the best to take them out their. 2nd point, why we contact you is, that we was thinking if / may be you would like to sell this ships to us ? after proceeding / between etc. We are a Turkish demolition yard who have 3 plots in Aliaga. We would welcome any business for demolition (Ship, Vessels, oil & gas platforms etc.) Congratulations on the outcome of the court hearing. It is good to see facts and real science prevailing over the pseudo scientific claptrap and silly media stories promulgated by obsessive environmental organisations. All the best to you and your employees - I hope you get the go ahead with the remaining ships. I have been watching / reading, with great interest, most of the news re the above subject. (I am in complete disagreement with the "negativity" of the majority of the articles) ! ! I am very familiar with many of these vessels laid up in the James River, surveyed / inspected many of them during my career as a Marine Engineering Consultant and Surveyor (Independent) in the late '70's / mid '80s. At that time I was based in the New York area (from the mid '80s in S. California, retiring back to the U.K. in late 2001) and visited the various Shipyards in Virginia on behalf of U.S. Shipowners and Insurance Companies. On many occasions my work took me along to the MarAd Lay - up Fleet to see if any vessels were "strippable" for spare parts, that were unavailable from the Scrap yards on the East Coast, for vessels still in service with much of the same machinery. I have been inundated with requests from businesses in the Tees Valley to become involved in the issue - it strikes at the heart of the Chamber's role. Thank you for inviting me down to see the first boat arriving. It was truly a most magnificent site, and we wish you luck in your fight with the Tree Huggers! Good luck for your contract with the US Navy ; You can also chase the ex-Clemenceau aircraft carrier, which is apparently making circles in the Mediterranee. I have noted with great interest in the media your progress on the Marad project and wish you good luck ie that logic prevails over sentiment. The behaviour of FOE and your local council planning authority is completely outrageous and disgraceful. In fact their position (Planning Authority) is so untenable that their decision must be reversed very soon. In spite of the adverse publicity you have had over the past weeks, I believe much of it is through ignorance on the part of most of those in opposition to the project. and the rest are just stirring things up. We in the offshore industry need you to succeed. There is a vital need for organisations/locations like Able UK to be in successful profitable business so that we can achieve a controlled best practice decommissioning of the UKCS platforms and facilities. My best wishes for your success on this groundbreaking project. It dismays me to hear FOE spouting such rubbish about 'Ghostships' and stating that PCBs and Asbestos is spilling/floating around everywhere. I don't know how we can ever get a rational story across and ensure that the media and then the public are presented with the true facts. I suppose perseverance and calm measured patience will win in the end. Further to our previous email on the subject, and whilst we appreciate that it is your aim to demolish the vessels as planned, we have been asked by our Belgian clients to mention again that they are interested in purchasing any of the MARAD vessels from you. They are fully licensed by the Belgian government to carry out ship breaking operations. Who's responsible for this mess, and what's going to happen when the first two ships enter British waters tomorrow? I had the opportunity to see your interview on BBC a couple of days ago. I am currently visiting the UK and have a trading company based in Karachi Pakistan which has interest in the Ship Breaking /Demolition biz in Pakistan. I understood from the interview you gave to the BBC that the ships which you have purchased from the US and being delivered or have been delivered to Hartlepool for scrapping are facing problems due to environmental issues--Pakistan as you may know has a very well established shipping breaking Industry. I was thinking whether you would like to consider have these ships demolished in Pakistan? We can offer you complete ship breaking facilities in Pakistan. In view of all the scaremongering and pathetic hysteria we have seen these last few weeks, I would like to wish Able UK the very best in securing the contract to dismantle the US fleet. It brings big investment to the area and should be welcomed. One of these do-gooders was on TV claiming 80 per cent of the people of Hartlepool don't want them. Says who? While these groups of individuals have lowered the tone, well done to Peter Stephenson for keeping strong in the face of (pathetic) adversity. This is an area of heavy industry and Able UK should be congratulated on securing such a prestigious contract. Yours, Hartlepool After the present furore subsides I would be happy to discuss scrapping vessels in Bangladesh. Trust that the above will be of interest and that your scrapping program will not be delayed / cancelled too much. You are bringing much needed work to the N.E. in my opinion ! Congratulations on the outcome of the court hearing. It is good to see facts and real science prevailing over the pseudo scientific claptrap and silly media stories promulgated by obsessive environmental organisations. All the best to you and your employees - I hope you get the go ahead with the remaining ships. I would like to express my support for the campaign that you are conducting to carry on your work against what strikes me as an extremely biased media witch hunt, fed by ill informed environmentalists. You may be interested to know that it was reported in the local (Plymouth) press and TV that an ex Royal Naval vessel is to be 'decontaminated' in Plymouth, and then sunk to provide a local diving wreck on the Devon coast in order to enhance tourism. There has been not a murmur of protest over this planned operation, and it disturbs me to think that job opportunities are being threatened in Hartlepool when similar operations can take place un impeded. CORNWALL Extract of letter sent to Margaret Beckett, MP Dear Mrs Beckett, Frankly I'm appalled by the way "Friends of the Earth" have misled people into believing that ex-US ships are inherently toxic. They are no more dangerous than any redundant factory, power station or oil refinery. And these are dismantled safely providing that the correct procedures are followed. I'm a friend of the earth; let's get these hulks recycled to benefit the environment. And let the UK set the standard for good dismantling practice. MIChemE Peterborough I have read with interest all the recent bad publicity you have received, we are a marine refurbishment contractor who on a regular basis removes asbestos from vessels within UK shipyards especially in the NE of England - do date we have had no problems. Should we be able to offer any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me. Dear Mr Juniper FOE I have been a long standing supporter and note with concern what I detect is a drift towards radical, misrepresentative campaigning such as that characterised in your so called "ghost ships" campaign. I am appalled at the level of misrepresentation being peddled as fact and the lack of objectivity in dealing with the arguments for a legitimate piece of business which has been tendered for and won by a reputable, properly regulated British company. I have no connection with Hartlepool or the company in question but I thought Peter Mandleson gave an extremely lucid account of FoE's activities on Saturday's Today programme. Apparently another example of knee jerk campaigning which isn't going to let the matter of sound science get in the way of some right on agitation. I got a measure of this when I called your Information department and was reliably assured that 91% of Hartlepool's population had voted against this ship breaking activity. Please demonstrate what polling of the good people of Hartlepool took place for this sweeping statement. I'd be grateful for a response before I make a decision to cancel my membership. Century radio have been carrying out a listeners vote by text on whether the public want the ships on Teesside - result is 80% are in favour (which is contradictory to what FOE have been saying) Richmond Apparently Century Radio have been doing a phone in vote about the ships. 85% say yes bring them here. Middlesbrough Sirs, I fully understand the frustration caused by the so called ghost ships. As a Boro born and bred man, I know the damage to the environment that has been caused by the chemical, steel works and other pollution that has been caused by the firms on Teesside throughout the years. The so called do gooders (friends of the earth etc) should keep their mouths closed, as they don't know what they are talking about. I for one think you should be able to carry out this work, as you are also providing work for a further two hundred people. Keep up the good work. Driffield I am writing as a business person and a realist to offer my wholehearted support to your company and to congratulate you on the success of obtaining this contract. There is so much mumbo jumbo about environmental hazards that we are in sight of loosing the important fact that this is revenue coming into the UK, and in particular the NE. Listening to the news this morning the reporter was talking about lead and mercury and asbestos as if they would suddenly jump ship and swirl around the Town. Burying the waste near people's homes must also be misinformation. If this was happening at Portsmouth, our nearest dock, I would also be in full support. Of late I have been reading regularly re problems concerning break up of these four vessels acquired by you and feel that if at last matters get worse or start making the whole project not viable, will you consider reselling your vessels to ship breakers in the Indian sub continent where no such environmentalist lobbies exist. We have been asked by a recycling company based in Belgium to approach you to see if you are willing to consider the re-sale of any of the MARAD vessels you have purchased for scrapping in Belgium. Friends of the earth? mis-informed idiots in my opinion. I'm sure that your company is capable of doing a good job so don't give up! I live on South Tyneside and I'm not worried! Dear Able UK people, I live in Redcar and I can't believe the fuss that has been kicked up by Friends of the Earth, and others. I hope you get to carry out the work and provide some more jobs, even if its only 200 more (not to be sneezed at). I saw a lady on TV from Hartlepool who said she wanted people to get 'clean' jobs - 'there is a new Morrison's opening'. What does she think the whole region was built on? Supermarket jobs? I'm sure any jobs that you provide would pay much better than her idea. I was at the South Gare both days last week to watch the ships come in and I didn't hear a single muttering of opposition to this work. Most people couldn't believe that the ships were in as good a state as they were despite the fact you have been saying this for weeks. When the first ship came close enough to see a bit better (just approaching the lighthouse) someone said loudly to one of his mates 'Have you been out there painting it? It looks brand new'.(This was before the peeling paint could be seen). I think a lot of people are realising this is all a fuss about nothing. I'm glad Peter Mandelson and Ray Mallon have come out to support you. Too bad about Hartlepool's monkey, he's showing he really is a monkey. Anyway, I haven't got all day, so good luck with the work, and hopefully you won't lose much more money while you're waiting to get started. REDCAR I fully support the ships being dismantled in your docks - I hope obsessive environmental campaigners aren't being too much of a nuisance. Jobs are far more important than the minimal risk they pose to the local area. Just a short note of support on behalf of all those citizens of Hartlepool who are not paranoid placard waving hypocritical fools and who are actually grateful that a reputable company like Able Uk is present in the town providing jobs and contributing to the town's prosperity. Lets hope sense prevails and not those bleaters. Dear Mr. Stephenson, I have been closely following the saga of my former ship the Canisteo. I proudly served aboard her from 1981-1984 as ass't navigator and I took the helm during underway replenishment. My heart goes out to you as well as the many men and women who are being denied work by a relative small number of anti-capitalists who disguise themselves as environmentalists. I am proud and the British people should be proud that their country has the skill and talent to dismantle these ships in a proper and environmentally safe way rather than the way it is done in the third world. If there is a fund set up to assist any of your displaced workers I would be honored to contribute what I can. What is going on in Teesside is horrible, especially this close to Christmas. I do have a favor to ask. I noticed in pictures that the ships ribbons/decals are still up on the superstructure. If there is any way that I could have those or possibly the ship's wheel, if it is still there, that would really make my day. I have such good memories of the Canisteo and all of my travels on her. I especially have fond memories or docking in Plymouth in 1984 and getting the opportunity to get to know the crew of the submarine Oberon. Thank you for your time. You and the men and women of Able UK are in my thoughts and prayers that this nightmare be resolved and everyone can get to work before Christmas. Sincerely, Texas USA Sir, As a member of the public, may I offer my full support for your efforts to complete your contract with marad despite all the environmentalist hysteria which is now completely out of control. This is a new industry with the opportunity to create many jobs and do it more safely and efficiently than third world countries and I wish you every success. This is just a brief note to assure you of some support for your business in the face of the hysterical campaign instigated by the Friends of the Earth against the recycling of the old American Supply vessels. You will notice that I have not referred to them as ‘Ghost Ships’ or mentioned the word ‘toxic’. I have twice E-Mailed Friends of the Earth in the last two days to point out to them that their campaign is based entirely on provoking outrage and, if not distorting the facts, then at the very least condoning a widespread misunderstanding over the exact nature of these vessels in order to justify their position. I also have made the observation to them that in their attempts to adopt the moral high ground they have also adopted a position of complete hypocrisy in their statements to the effect that America should deal with it’s own waste i.e. it’s OK to break the ships up there, but not in Hartlepool. Complete and utter nonsense and a totally arrogant assumption that they are in a position to speak for the people of Teeside. I also pointed out to them that as a native of the South Coast, I have over the last thirty years driven, on literally hundreds of occasions past a Naval Breakers Yard adjacent to Tipnor Bridge in Portsmouth which I have never, once, heard Friends of the Earth pontificating about. I actually work in the oil and gas industry in the Middle East as a Health, Safety and Environmental consultant and I can tell you from experience that Friends of the Earth particularly have no understanding of the reality of life in industry and make no attempt to offer pragmatic solutions. If it’s any consolation I see them painting themselves into exactly the same corner over this issue that Greenpeace did with Shell over the Brent Spa fiasco. If you remember the facts of that case the Brent Spa was a completely purged, inert offshore mooring buoy that Shell wanted to send for deep water disposal in the Atlantic, until Greenpeace occupied it. They later capitulated having realised that it was not contaminated with thousands of tonnes of oil contaminated water and that it was in fact, empty. Good luck with this. I hope you resolve your licensing difficulties and can commence work at some stage in the near future. And I do sincerely hope that you receive other messages of support which reflect the voice of reason, not of hysteria and emotive knee-jerking based on a tenuous understanding of the facts. Best Wishes Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, Registered Safety Practitioner 21-11-03 Dear
Sirs Hello Able! Dear Able UK,
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