Press Releases - ABLE

THIRD AND FOURTH US SHIPS TO BE STORED IN HARTLEPOOL
15/11/03

Following exploration of alternative options, the Government has agreed with the US authorities that the third and fourth US ships currently on their way to the UK, should continue their passage to Hartlepool, where they will be securely stored pending a decision on their future. As with the first two ships, the Environment Agency will place requirements on them to ensure the environment is fully protected and the ships remain ready for return to the United States.

We explained last week that we were working closely with the United States authorities to examine the practicability of the return of the third and fourth ships to the United States. We have now reached a shared view that it would be imprudent for these ships to attempt a return crossing at this time of year; and that there is no other suitable storage site available. Hartlepool therefore best meets our objectives of safety and environmental protection.

The US authorities accept that the four ships will have to return to the United States next Spring, unless environmentally suitable and legally acceptable methods for their disposal have by then been identified.

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