According to reports, the delegation during its visit to Alang today, ahead of an International Maritime Conference in Mumbai on Tuesday, found labour and environment conditions at the yard satisfactory. This is contrary to the view that was based on reports they had came across so far in print.

The delegation was led by Nicolos Mikelies, chairman of IMO, a specialised United Nations agency responsible for improving maritime safety and preventing pollution through ships.

The Alang Ship Breaking Yard, located in the Gulf of Cambay in the coastal district of Bhavnagar, has been in news for carrying out breaking activities at poor labour and environment standards. It caught the attention of the world after international environmental NGO Greenpeace raised questions over toxic material in decommissioned French aircraft carrier Le Clemenceau and Norwegian passenger vessel Blue Lady.

The number of ships coming to Alang has dropped to 60 per cent, putting the once thriving industry onto a slow death.

“Though the delegation had suggested to improve standards at Alang, it nonetheless approved of the current condition given the fact that ship-breakers have shown a greater willingness to improve the standards of the yard,” said joint secretary, Ship Recycling Association of India, Nikhil Gupta. He added that ship-breakers have agreed that Alang should have a full-fledged hospital and other facilities to maintain health and safety standards of the workers.