Controversial Ship anchors near Pipawav port in Amreli district

Rajkot, June 30 (UNI) Malaysian cruise liner 'Blue Lady' today anchored near Pipawav port in Amreli district despite protests from environmentalists who say the ship is carrying toxic asbestos materials which is hazardous to health.

Purchaser of the ship Rajiv Renival, told UNI over phone that the ship arrived early morning near Pipawav and anchored there. The 315-metere long, 46,000 tonne ship earlier known as SS Norway, will be screened by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board. Only after its clearance, the dismantling work would start at Alang, Mr Reniwal said.

The ship will also be inspected by the officials of the Alang Port and the Gujarat Maritime Board Officials at Pipawav who will send a report to the technical committee of the Supereme court, Mr Reniwal said.

The Supereme Court earlier had directed the ship cannot be beached or dismantled unless it is properly examined by an expert agency, Mr Reniwal said.

Earlier, French aircraft carrier Le Clemenceau was mired in controversy and forced to return following the Superme Court Ruling.

Greenpeace activists had protested against the ship having toxic substances such as asbestos and other toxic chemicals.

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