Toxic Materials in Old Ships

How old ships contain asbestos, PCBs, heavy metals and oil residues, why the Basel Convention treats ships as hazardous waste, and the Clemenceau case.

Old ships contain toxic materials.

Hazards

Asbestos insulation.
PCBs in wiring and paints.
Heavy metals like lead and mercury.
Oil and sludge residues.

Basel Convention

The Basel Convention controls trade in hazardous waste, and some treat end-of-life ships as hazardous waste.

Clemenceau

In 2006, the French aircraft carrier Clemenceau was sent back from India after protests and a Supreme Court case over asbestos.

Blue Lady

In 2006-07, the cruise ship Blue Lady (formerly SS Norway) was allowed to be broken at Alang after a court battle.

Inventory

Rules now require an inventory of hazardous materials on ships.

The recalled carrier

France took back the Clemenceau after protests about the asbestos it contained.

Thinking old ships are just steel

They contain hazardous materials.

Key takeaways

Old ships contain asbestos and PCBs.
The Basel Convention covers hazardous waste.
The Clemenceau was sent back in 2006.
Hazardous material inventories are required.