December 7th, 2006

The Supreme Court in India has decided to delay a decision with regards to the demolition of a vessel. The decision has been delayed for at least a month, and relates to the SS Norway, which was once a well known ocean liner and has now become a high profile vessel that has become the center of attention for environmentalists.

According to environmentalists the conditions are too bad in India for the vessel to be destroyed without exposing the workers to dangers such as asbestos contamination. Concerns have also been highlighted with regards to the effect on the environment.

Officials claim that the vessel should not have left Germany in the first place, where it had been towed following an explosion, which disabled it and resulted in its need to be scrapped. A panel of judges has asked for a review of the demolition plan of the vessel, which has been welcomed by environmentalists.

Although it is said that the working conditions in ship breaking yards in India have improved, environmentalists are doubtful. One said: ''It is fundamentally clear that the Alang yards currently and for the foreseeable future cannot operate in an environmentally sound manner.''