Ship controls show pollution risk still a concern

2263, 15/02/07

An international shipping inspection agency has found unexpectedly´extensive deficiencies in anti-pollution measures on ships visiting ports in 25 European and north Atlantic countries.

Controls by the Paris MOU last spring found over 3,200 deficiencies across 4,600 ships. On nearly eight per cent of ships there was evidence of waste dumping at sea. 128 vessels were detained by authorities.

The findings were "reason for some concern", the organisation said. The inspection focused on requirements in the UN's Marpol convention on marine pollution.

See Paris MOU press release http://www.endseuropedaily.com/docs/70214c.doc.

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