Q. Consider the following statements:
1.Ship recycling is one of the most polluting industries.
2.The Flag of Convenience (FOC) system allows shipowners to avoid responsibility for pollution.
3.The Geneva Convention aims to make ship recycling safer and less harmful to the environment.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanations –
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Ship recycling, particularly in regions like South Asia, is known for its significant environmental impact due to the release of hazardous materials such as asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and heavy metals into the environment. The Flag of Convenience system enables shipowners to register their vessels in countries with lax regulations. This allows them to circumvent strict environmental and safety standards, thereby avoiding responsibility for pollution and other legal obligations.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, adopted in 2009, aims to ensure safe and environmentally sound recycling practices.
Source: The Hindu
