MoreThanWaste.com - Ghost Ships are still in US ownership (20/03/2007)

"This is one of those situations where we have got to make some decisions as to whether the contract can be performed and if it can't be performed as we originally envisaged it, what do we do next"

Shaun Connaughton, Spokesman for MARAD

A spokesman for the US Marine Administration, speaking on Radio Cleveland, has said that the so called Ghost Ships currently docked near Hartlepool, are still in US ownership.

America seems to be running out of patience and might ask for the four ships to be returned to the US.

Able UK brought the ex-naval vessels across the Atlantic for dismantling, recycling and disposal. At the time, the company thought that it had all the necessary permissions in place, however ultimately it was found that planning consent was needed and it has proved difficult to obtain.

This is, to a degree, unfortunate as the company has the docking facility, the expertise to dismantle and handle the material, and its own landfill at Brenda Road, Hartlepool licensed to accept hazardous materials. Local authorities do not in general seem to want this type of ship breaking facility, nevertheless such provision is essential to sustainable management of these waste hulks if they are not to go to third world countries with the potential for environmental pollution.

As far as ship disposal is concerned, these 4 are just the tip of the iceburg. 4,000 miles away on the James River in the United States, there were more than 60 rusting hulks at that location alone.

There are many locations in the third world where ship breaking takes place with little regard for environmental impacts, though no doubt the work provides vital local employment in those countries. Countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China are involved in ship breaking activity.

At least in the UK the enforcement agencies would be keeping a watchful eye on events.

It looks as though next year would be the very earliest that Able could make any progress with the ships according to reports. Able and MARAD would of course prefer to dismantle the US ships here but, with or without them, the company is determined to establish a centre for ship recycling.

US Marine Administration

Speaking on Radio Cleveland, Sean Connaughton a spokesman for the US Marine Administration (MARAD) said:

"This is one of those situations where we have got to make some decisions as to whether the contract can be performed and if it can't be performed as we originally envisaged it, what do we do next."

"We retain the title to the vessels until they are actually finally broken up. We and the US government do not want to end up having the situation where they are partially broken up and left some place. We retain the title until actual deconstruction occurs completely."

Planning rejection

In October 2006, Hartlepool Council overwhelmingly rejected all four applications from Able UK relating to the development of its Graythorp site on the outskirts of Hartlepool.

Three planning applications and an application for Hazardous Substances Consent were considered by the Council's Planning Committee.

The company had earlier won a contract to dispose of 13 redundant ships from the US Marine Administration, of which 4 came to anchor at Graythorp some 3 years ago.

There has been much publicity and in some cases exaggerated claims over the hazardous materials that the ships contain.

The main planning application covered a range of proposals to extend the current use of the site to include the construction, repair, refurbishment and decommissioning of all types of ships, vessels and other craft, and for the manufacture of wind turbines.

This application also covered a variety of other works including the construction and refurbishment of quays, the construction of a cofferdam and new dock gates, the installation of a railway track, construction and operation of metal recycling facilities and the erection of industrial and warehouse buildings.

Though Able UK indicated at the time that they would consider an appeal on the planning rejection, it is understood that an appeal has not yet been lodged. As there is only a limited time in which an appeal can be made, it seems likely that we will hear more within the next month or so.


	Ghost Ships are still in US ownership (20/03/2007) "This is one of those situations where we have got to make some decisions as to whether the contract can be performed and if it can't be performed as we originally envisaged it, what do we do next" Shaun Connaughton, Spokesman for MARAD A spokesman for the US Marine Administration, speaking on Radio Cleveland, has said that the so called Ghost Ships currently docked near Hartlepool, are still in US ownership. America seems to be running out of patience and might ask for the four ships to be returned to the US. Able UK brought the ex-naval vessels across the Atlantic for dismantling, recycling and disposal. At the time, the company thought that it had all the necessary permissions in place, however ultimately it was found that planning consent was needed and it has proved difficult to obtain. This is, to a degree, unfortunate as the company has the docking facility, the expertise to dismantle and handle the material, and its own landfill at Brenda Road, Hartlepool licensed to accept hazardous materials. Local authorities do not in general seem to want this type of ship breaking facility, nevertheless such provision is essential to sustainable management of these waste hulks if they are not to go to third world countries with the potential for environmental pollution. As far as ship disposal is concerned, these 4 are just the tip of the iceburg. 4,000 miles away on the James River in the United States, there were more than 60 rusting hulks at that location alone. There are many locations in the third world where ship breaking takes place with little regard for environmental impacts, though no doubt the work provides vital local employment in those countries. Countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China are involved in ship breaking activity. At least in the UK the enforcement agencies would be keeping a watchful eye on events. It looks as though next year would be the very earliest that Able could make any progress with the ships according to reports. Able and MARAD would of course prefer to dismantle the US ships here but, with or without them, the company is determined to establish a centre for ship recycling. US Marine Administration Speaking on Radio Cleveland, Sean Connaughton a spokesman for the US Marine Administration (MARAD) said: "This is one of those situations where we have got to make some decisions as to whether the contract can be performed and if it can't be performed as we originally envisaged it, what do we do next." "We retain the title to the vessels until they are actually finally broken up. We and the US government do not want to end up having the situation where they are partially broken up and left some place. We retain the title until actual deconstruction occurs completely." Planning rejection In October 2006, Hartlepool Council overwhelmingly rejected all four applications from Able UK relating to the development of its Graythorp site on the outskirts of Hartlepool. Three planning applications and an application for Hazardous Substances Consent were considered by the Council's Planning Committee. The company had earlier won a contract to dispose of 13 redundant ships from the US Marine Administration, of which 4 came to anchor at Graythorp some 3 years ago. There has been much publicity and in some cases exaggerated claims over the hazardous materials that the ships contain. The main planning application covered a range of proposals to extend the current use of the site to include the construction, repair, refurbishment and decommissioning of all types of ships, vessels and other craft, and for the manufacture of wind turbines. This application also covered a variety of other works including the construction and refurbishment of quays, the construction of a cofferdam and new dock gates, the installation of a railway track, construction and operation of metal recycling facilities and the erection of industrial and warehouse buildings. Though Able UK indicated at the time that they would consider an appeal on the planning rejection, it is understood that an appeal has not yet been lodged. As there is only a limited time in which an appeal can be made, it seems likely that we will hear more within the next month or so.