Scandlines prosecuted for scrapping

Danish ferry operator Scandlines is facing prosecution for exporting toxic waste in December 1997 when it sold the ferry Knuds Hoved for scrapping in Mumbai, India. The 1960s-built ferry contained asbestos when it was exported – a move which contravenes the Basle Convention.

The Basle Convention outlaws the export of toxic waste from an OECD country to a non-OECD country for disposal or recycling. Scandlines sold the vessel to a shipbroker for scrapping, but the Danish authorities say the company knew the final destination of the ship, and so was an accomplice in the contravention.

As most vessels of scrapping age contain asbestos, and most breakers are in India, Pakistan or Bangladesh, it is likely that almost all ships sold for scrap are also in contravention of the Convention, leaving many owners open to prosecution. If the prosecution of Scandlines is successful, owners will have to remove all hazardous materials before the ship can be sold for scrapping to a non-OECD country.