The Dutch public prosecutor has called for jail sentences for three Seatrade executives in an ongoing criminal trial over the sale of four reefer ships to beaching shipyards in India, Bangladesh and Turkey.
A statement from the public prosecutor said it is calling for a fine of EUR 750,000 ($920,000) against six Seatrade Companies and a six month jail sentence, including two months suspended, for three unnamed executives from two Seatrade companies.
The trial being heard in Rotterdam involves the 2012 sale of the 461,816-cbf Spring Bear (built 1984) and the Spring Bob, Spring Panda and Spring Deli (all built 1984).
Spring Bear was sold for demolition in Alang, India, Spring Bob in Bangladesh, and Spring Panda and Spring Deli in Turkey.
The ships sailed for demolition from ports in Rotterdam and Hamburg, making them subject to EU waste export regulations which specify demolition in OECD countries.
The public prosecutor said the ships contained hazardous waste materials which are prohibited for export to the countries where the ships were demolished.
They described demolition as “the most dangerous job in the world,” causing “great environmental pollution.”
"Lives endangered"
It said the decision to demolish was taken by three executives working for Seatrade in Groningen.
Explaining why it is calling for a prison sentence the public prosecutor said the decision was taken by the executives in the knowledge that “current dismantling methods endanger the lives and health of workers and pollute the environment.” Adding that the decision was taken for “financial gain.”
A Seatrade spokesperson said the company strongly contests the claim of the public prosecutor and the wording of its statement. It said Seatrade supports responsible ship demolition and follows the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. It pointed out the Netherlands has yet to ratify the convention.
SeaTrade said: “We disagree with the prosecutor in relation to the charges that they have filed against us. As the court proceedings are still ongoing we believe at this point it is not appropriate to make any detailed comments in relation to the Spring vessels. These discussions should take place in court in front of the judges.
“Seatrade meanwhile has been surprised to learn the firm and decisive tone of the prosecutor’s press release. We are disappointed that conclusive statements have been made in an early stage of the proceeding and like to stress that the perception of our organisation, as presented in the prosecutor’s release, is not representative of the values of the company.”
“In recent years Seatrade has witnessed further improvements of the ship recycling industry around the world with consequent increased higher standards in relation to the safe and green recycling of ships. An increasing number of yards now has been certified according to the Convention with other recycling facilities following.”
“Against the background of the willingness of the ship recycling industry to further raise their standards Seatrade would welcome a universal ratification of the Hong Kong Convention. A number of countries, including The Netherlands, still have to ratify the treaty.”
