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Local authority members of KIMO UK has said it is disgusted that the UK Minister for Shipping, Mike Penning, has confirmed that the Emergency Towing Vessels are to be removed from service in two weeks’ time.
The Minister has been told by maritime users, local authorities and indeed members of his own government that the decision is short sighted and that the ETV cover must continue to protect people and the environment for years to come.
The ETV working group has recommended sources of funding to the minister but made it clear that he is the only person in a position to actually put that funding in place yet, says KIMO, this request has repeatedly fallen on deaf ears.
“Mr Penning continues to believe that responsibility for ensuring the operational safety of ships is properly a matter for the commercial shipping industry, working in partnership with the tug and salvage industries. Will he still believe this if a large cruise ship is being blown ashore a rugged coastline and no suitable help can be found? ” asked KIMO UK
“He repeatedly mentions oil pollution but ships carry people, toxic chemicals, thousands of containers and many other substances all of which could cost millions to clear up and decimate coastal industries that rely in a natural environment that has not been ruined by pollution.”
KIMO UK insists that Mr Penning and his officials to take onboard the hard work of the ETV working group and put its funding recommendations into place now.
KIMO UK Chair, Councillor Len Scoullar said: “The Minister insisting that salvage provision is the responsibility of the shipping industry alone shows a distinct lack of understanding of the huge impacts pollution can have on communities and businesses.”
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