Press Releases - MARAD

LEADING FIGURES BACK SHIPS CONTRACT
11/09/03

Leading figures in the Tees Valley have today (September 11th) called for an end to what they describe as the ‘bandwagon jumping, headline grabbing and scaremongering’ over the contract awarded to a local company to dismantle American merchant vessels.

Councillor Bob Gibson, Chairman of the Tees Valley Development Company, stressed that awarding of the contract should be seen ‘as a recognition that we have amongst the best facilities anywhere in the world for marine recycling and reclamation—and that this is a project which makes sense, both economically and environmentally.’

He was supported by Alistair Arkley, Chair of the Tees Valley Partnership, who said it would ‘make no sense whatsoever to turn our backs on a business in which we have the opportunity to capitalise on experience and skills built up over generations.’

Able UK has been awarded a contract by the United States Government’s Marine Administration (MARAD) for the dismantling of 13 merchant vessels at its TERRC (Teesside Environmental Reclamation and Recycling Centre) at Graythorp, which has a long track record in handling the decommissioning of marine structures.

Said Councillor Gibson “I really do think it is time for a lot less heat and a lot more light over a contract which we should be celebrating as a real boost for the Tees Valley. I am frankly appalled at some of the headlines and language which has been used by those attempting to create wholly unjustified public alarm.

“What I find especially objectionable is that many of those who have jumped on the bandwagon conveniently ignore the realities that across the world there are massive environmental problems caused by the uncontrolled disposal of ships and other marine structures. I suggest that some of those who have been so quick to rush to judgement over this contract should take a look at what happens in many developing countries, where ships are simply run on to the beaches and then literally torn apart in the open air with no thought of proper environmental or health controls.

“People are killed and injured literally every day as a result of this kind of practices. Is it really being suggested that is better than using the kind of facilities available at TERRC?”

Added TVDC Chief Executive Neil Etherington “When TERRC was first opened the whole area saw it as a great opportunity to use the kind of skills built up over many years in ship and offshore construction to establish ourselves as a leader in the expanding market for marine decommissioning.

“It has steadily built up an international reputation, undertaking work for international companies and handling a wide range of structures, many of them posing significant environmental challenges. This latest contract is, in many ways, no different from the kind of work which has been going at TERRC over a number of years with no great fuss and no horror headlines”

Commented Tees Valley Partnership Chair Alistair Arkley “What I and I am sure many other people in the area find hard to stomach is that some of the organisations who have been so keen to rush in to print over this project appear to have little understanding of the realities of our area.

“Of course, we are all working to achieve a much more diversified economic base for the area—attracting more activity in the service industries and sectors such as information technology and multi-media. Yet the facts of the matter are that the Tees Valley continues to be a major centre for what might be described as ‘heavy’ manufacturing industries—steel, chemicals, engineering and construction. That’s why it is perfectly natural—and sensible—that we should be using all the skills developed over many years in those kind of industries to develop our position as a major force in marine decommissioning.

“We know the challenges involved in these kinds of industries—after all we have many years of handling them with considerable success. I believe we should be proud that we have the opportunity to use our experience and skills to both attract new jobs and make a contribution to dealing with a major environmental issue.”

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