U.S. Ship Banned From India as Too Toxic

Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Platinum-II

Officials in India want no part of an old U.S. maritime ship headed for the world’s largest scrap yard because it has been deemed too contaminated. The Platinum-II was supposed to dock at the Alang shipyard where thousands of vessels from around the world have been sent for dismantling and which dominates the shipbreaking industry. But after environmental inspectors checked the Platinum-II off the western coast of India, the government refused entry, citing the presence of toxic materials, including asbestos and the carcinogen polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB). Local officials also have said the ship arrived with false documentation, making it unclear who owns the Platinum-II.

-Noel Brinkerhoff
 

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